Kenova, WV – The search for Mompida Hay, a missing 42-year-old woman from Ashland, Kentucky, has come to a heartbreaking conclusion. Authorities confirmed on Saturday afternoon that a body was recovered from the Big Sandy River, more than a week after Hay was last seen.
Hay, who had been reported missing on October 27, 2025, is believed to have jumped from the Interstate 64 bridge. Despite an intensive search on the night of the incident, rescue teams from Wayne County, Boyd County, and Kenova were unable to locate her at that time.
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Following the initial search efforts, teams continued to comb the area, but it wasn’t until Saturday afternoon that a breakthrough came. Two kayakers reported spotting what appeared to be a body in the river, over a mile downstream from the site of the jump. Kenova Police, along with the Ceredo and Kenova Fire Departments, responded swiftly to recover the body shortly after 4 p.m.
The victim has been identified as Mompida Hay, and the body has been transferred to the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office for official identification and a determination of the cause of death. Investigations are ongoing.
The discovery brings an end to the emotional and lengthy search that saw the involvement of multiple rescue agencies and countless volunteers. Mompida Hay’s loved ones are left to grieve the loss of a kind-hearted woman, known for her gentle nature and unwavering love for those around her.
As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, friends and family remember Mompida Hay for the joy she brought to their lives. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
May Mompida Hay rest in peace.