KENOVA, W.Va. — The search for a missing Ashland woman has come to a heartbreaking end after Kenova Police confirmed the recovery of a body from the Big Sandy River on Saturday afternoon, November 8, 2025. Authorities have identified the victim as 42-year-old Mompida Hay of Ashland, Kentucky, bringing a somber close to a search that had gripped both sides of the West Virginia–Kentucky border for days.
According to the Kenova Police Department, officers were called to the riverbank near the Big Sandy around 2:15 p.m. after a passerby reported seeing what appeared to be a body in the water. Local law enforcement, along with the Kenova Fire Department and Wayne County emergency crews, responded immediately to the scene. After a careful recovery effort, investigators confirmed that the body belonged to Mompida Hay, who had been reported missing earlier in the week by family members in Ashland.
Police say the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding Hay’s death. The body has been sent to the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. While authorities have not released any official cause of death, they emphasized that no conclusions will be drawn until the medical examination is complete.
For the community of Ashland, the confirmation brought a devastating sense of finality after days of uncertainty and hope. Friends and family had held out faith that Mompida would be found safe, organizing search parties, sharing her photo online, and praying for her return. The news of her passing has left many in shock, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a woman described as kind, loving, and full of life.
“Mompida had such a big heart,” said one family friend. “She was the kind of person who would give you her last dollar if you needed it. She loved her family more than anything.” Those close to her said she was deeply connected to her community in Ashland, known for her laughter, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those she cared about.
The Big Sandy River, which divides parts of West Virginia and Kentucky, has been the site of several tragic recoveries over the years. On Saturday, as investigators worked along its banks, a heavy silence hung over the scene—a reminder of how fragile life can be and how deeply loss can ripple through a community.
Kenova Police Chief and other local officials have extended their condolences to Hay’s family, vowing to continue their investigation with sensitivity and thoroughness. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Hay during this incredibly difficult time,” the department said in a statement. “We are committed to uncovering the facts and ensuring that her loved ones receive the answers they deserve.”
Neighbors and residents from both Kenova and Ashland have begun leaving flowers and candles near the riverbank, transforming the area into an impromptu memorial for Mompida Hay. A candlelight vigil is reportedly being planned for later this week, where friends and family will gather to honor her life, share memories, and find comfort in one another’s presence.
As investigators continue their work, those who knew Mompida are left clinging to memories of her warmth and generosity. Her loss has not only broken hearts—it has united two communities in grief, reflection, and love.
In the quiet flow of the Big Sandy River, there is now the enduring memory of a woman whose life touched many—a reminder that behind every headline lies a story of love, humanity, and immeasurable loss.
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