New Hampshire State Police

Teen Drowns While Swimming With Friends in Merrimack River

The teen was pronounced dead at Concord Hospital, New Hampshire State Police said

528 drowning

A 15-year-old boy who was swimming with friends drowned Saturday evening in the Merrimack River in Canterbury, New Hampshire, authorities said Sunday.

New Hampshire State Police received a report of a possible drowning around 6:15 p.m. near the Boscawen/Canterbury town line.

State police say the teen was swimming with his friends near conservation land in the area of Oxbow Pond Road. While swimming, the boy began to struggle, police say. Nearby witnesses attempted to help the teen, but before they could reach him, the teen went under the water and did not resurface, according to police.

Emergency crews responded to the area and located the boy in the water around 7:39 p.m., officials said. He was taken to Concord Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Scott McLain at 603-227-2118 or by email at scott.mclain@dos.nh.gov.

The incident remains under investigation, state police say.

Boscawen police and fire, as well as the Concord Fire Department, assisted state police on scene.

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