Authorities say the body of a woman who went missing after a vehicle crash into the Ohio River more than a month ago has been recovered and identified.
According to a statement from the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, family members have confirmed the identity of the woman as 32-year-old Keely Shuler. The identification followed the recovery of remains discovered during a search operation involving authorities from Kentucky and West Virginia.
Officials said the discovery occurred while law enforcement agencies from the neighboring states were conducting a search in the river for another individual. During that effort, remains believed to be connected to an earlier incident were located.
Investigators initially made a tentative identification using photographs and distinctive identifying features. Authorities later confirmed the identity after Shuler’s family met with deputies from Meigs County and officials from Kentucky to assist with the formal identification process.
The recovery brings some closure to a search that began in early February after a crash along East Main Street in Pomeroy.
According to deputies, the incident occurred on Feb. 10 when a vehicle traveling along the roadway left the right side of the road and struck a utility pole. Authorities said the vehicle then crossed back across the roadway and entered the Ohio River.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and were able to rescue a child from the vehicle. The vehicle itself was later recovered from the river during the initial response.
However, the driver was not located at the time, prompting an extended search effort involving local authorities and community members. In the days following the crash, family, friends, and residents gathered for a candlelight vigil to show support for Shuler and her loved ones while search efforts continued.
Officials later confirmed that Shuler had been the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash.
Law enforcement agencies have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the roadway. Authorities say investigations into incidents of this nature typically involve reviewing evidence, witness accounts, and roadway conditions to better understand what occurred.
Community members in the area have expressed sympathy for the family as they continue to process the loss. Local officials also acknowledged the cooperation between agencies from multiple states during the search and recovery efforts.
While the recovery marks an important step in the case, many questions about the circumstances of the crash remain.
What measures do you think communities and authorities can take to improve safety near roadways close to rivers and waterways?
