Mompida Hay Obituary Report: Remains of Lost Ashland Individual, Mompida Hay, Found in Big Sandy River

 KENOVA, W Va. — The pursuit of a lost woman from Ashland has reached a sorrowful conclusion after Kenova Police announced the discovery of a body in the Big Sandy River on the afternoon of Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Authorities have confirmed the deceased as 42-year-old Mompida Hay from Ashland, Kentucky. As stated by investigators, Hay is thought to have leaped from the Interstate 64 bridge on October 27. On that night, search crews from Wayne County, Boyd County, and Kenova launched thorough searches but were unable to find her at that moment.

The attempts to find Hay persisted in the days and weeks that followed the event. On Saturday, two individuals kayaking on the Big Sandy River reported spotting what seemed to be a body in the water. Promptly, Kenova Police along with rescue teams from the Ceredo and Kenova Fire Departments arrived at the scene and retrieved the body shortly after 4 p.m.

The site of the recovery was situated over a mile downstream from the I-64 bridge where the original incident took place.

Kenova Police have transferred the body to the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office for conclusive identification and an investigation into the cause and circumstances surrounding the death.

This heartbreaking finding provides closure to a lengthy and emotional search that engaged various agencies and community volunteers. Mompida Hay's friends and family are now grieving the loss of a cherished woman, known for her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and profound affection for those dear to her.

May Mompida Hay find everlasting peace. Her legacy will always live on in the hearts of those who cared for her.