The person at the center of this case
Kenneth William Parsons
Missing Person · Open
29 years waiting · since 1997
Missing Person: Kenneth William Parsons
Justice for Kenneth William Parsons — the trail went cold in 1997, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🔍
evidence
Lead #1What was the condition of the barge and its railings? Were there signs of struggle or accident?
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witness
Lead #2What did crew members observe about Parsons' behavior and movements before he went missing?
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clue
Lead #3Could the excessive ice conditions have contributed to an accidental fall overboard?
Kenneth William Parsons, a 20-year-old male, disappeared on January 22, 1997, while working on a barge traveling along the Little Kanawha and Ohio Rivers near Parkersburg, West Virginia. He was last seen stringing lights on the barge as it departed, but could not be found when it reached its destination approximately 8 miles downriver in severe icing conditions. The circumstances of his disappearance—whether accidental, intentional, or otherwise—remain unknown, and his case remains open with the West Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4Why was the barge moving at night in severe icing conditions, and was this routine?
📍
location
Lead #5Were search and recovery efforts conducted along the 8-mile river stretch?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP2363. Missing person: Kenneth William Parsons.
Last known contact: 1997-01-22 in Ravenswood, Jackson, WV. Circumstances: Missing from Barge in 8 mile stretch of Little Kanawha and Ohio Rivers in Wood County, Parkersburg, West Virginia.
The barge was moving at night on January 22, 1997, he was on the boat when it left the shore and was seen stringing the lights on the barge, but could not be located when the barge reached its destination approximately 8 miles later. There was excessive ice on the river.
Demographics: 20 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 6 ft 2 in, 160 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Blue Jeans and flanel shirt. Color unknown.; Footwear: Green Hikers..
Investigating agency: WV Missing Children Clearinghouse | BD8598A.
Timeline of Events
👤
1997-01-22
nightKenneth Parsons disappears from barge
Parsons was last seen stringing lights on the barge as it departed from Ravenswood. He could not be located when the barge reached its destination approximately 8 miles downriver. Excessive ice was present on the river.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 22, 1997 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 22, 1997 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:October 16, 2026