HEBRON, Ky. — Kentucky officials believe they recovered the body of Whitney Crank from the Ohio River on Monday morning.
The 31-year-old Erlanger woman fell overboard while boating May 18.
Officials said a boater discovered the female body in the river around 11:24 a.m. Capt. Ken Purcell with Boone County Water Rescue confirmed a female body was discovered near the Constance Marina in Hebron, Kentucky.
Lt. Patrick Brannen, with the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department, said Crank's family has been notified, and "certain identifying characteristics were relayed to the family."
Witnesses say Crank went overboard after the boat she was in hit a wake. She wasn't wearing a life jacket.
Brannen said a full investigation is underway.
"How she ended up in the water, what was reported by witnesses, the operator, things of that nature, we're still looking into it," Brannen said.
Brannen said Crank's death, while tragic, is not unusual.
"Every year, we get these types of accidents reported to us," he said.
He said it's urgent for boaters to wear a life jacket.
"If you are on power of any manner, put your life jacket on," he said.
Brannen hopes Monday's discovery can help bring closure to Crank's family.
