merrimack river deaths

A 70-year-old Beverly woman was found dead in the Merrimack River on Tuesday after police located her vehicle on the side of Interstate 95. The rash of deaths has raised questions among affected families and communities about what, if anything, could be done to curtail the loss of life along the river. Nine passengers were plunged into the sea last year when their overloaded 17-foot Stingray flooded with water from swells and sunk quickly. Officials are also looking to install life jacket loaner stations at some sites on the river, she said. i really doubt it, but maybe thats just because ive grown up here in NH my whole life and never found it unsafe. Camille Caldera was a Globe intern in 2022.Follow her on Twitter @camille_caldera. The City of Lowell has asked residents to stop feeding ducks on the Merrimack River after a significant number have turned up dead, the City of Lowell said John "Jay" Paul Moran, 81, passed away on April 27th at his home in Ashburn, Virginia. Yes, simply click Add a photo located underneath the main photo of the obituary then upload the photos/videos you wish to share. The mother was rushed to Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport where she was pronounced dead. April 28 2022 - 38yr old Katie Gorfinkle found deceased (naked) in Merrimack River in Concord/Bow, NH. LOWELL, MA Police are asking the public's help identifying a woman found dead in the Merrimack River in Lowell Sunday. This week we lost a dear friend, most will say a legend. With cooler-than-normal temperatures; when the county has lots of Spring rain and the heat of summer come in June the river shows its true nature. Merrimack River Tragedy: How a Family Fishing Trip to Deer Island Turned Deadly. Fire and Police responded to Mast Road behind the currents are very strong and dangerous for even advanced swimmers. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. }Customer Service. The Chain Bridge in Newburyport and the Hines Bridge in Amesbury, which connect on Deer Island, were closed to traffic and expected to remain closed for several hours. NEWBURYPORT A mother is dead and her 6-year-old son missing after an accident Thursday about 7 p.m. while a family of six was fishing on Deer Island, The vast majority of the incidents involved individuals who were swimming or boating; all but four were accidental. it seems like there are varying ages, both male and female. Derek Kelleher,a battalion chief with the Concord, N.H., Fire Department, said that the majority of drownings are preventable, and every effort to prevent them is important though they might never be enough. It can happen in the split of the second. Storms have poured more than a foot of rain throughout the region since Friday, with at least another inch expected by Tuesday morning. First responders searched for the body of 6-year-old Mas DeChhat in the Merrimack River in June. Zach Lacy, 15, drowned in the Merrimack River in 2020. But I have two kids and I would not let my kids near the river without life jackets.. The river is too deep and people drown now and then. However, The Kaweah River through the foothills of Sequoia National Park is swift, cold, and dangerous. The spread of a common waterfowl illness is believed to be the cause of a "significant" number of dead ducks seen recently in the Merrimack River. Native Americans who first inhabited the region called it Merruasquamack or swift water place., Boatswains Mate First Class Joseph Habel, an officer in the Coast Guard at Station Merrimack River in Newburyport, said that its currents are too strong for swimmers. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The boy, along with his parents and siblings, were identified via a GoFundMe fundraiser online. Originated from the Suiattle Glacier, the Suiattle River originally His twin sister, Zoe (left), and his then-girlfriend Meghan McGonagle have worked to improve safety in the Newburyport Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire, City Marshal Mark Murray and Amesbury Police Chief Craig Bailey were among those on the Hines Bridge as the search continued for a missing boy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. American River is a 30-mile-long river in California that presents many hazards from strong currents and cold water to rope swings and bridge abutments. If there is heavy rain and a strong storm, the sewage pipes and drainage of Washington overflow and run directly into the river. Mercado was reported to have jumped from a bridge in January and never seen again until April when he was found in the river. Low 33F. June 10, 2022 Merrimack Tragedy: 1 dead, 4 rescued from river in Newburyport, 6-year-old boy still missing First responders have switched to a recovery After the incidents in 2020, the town installed signs that warn of strong current and steep dropoff and contain information including coordinates for GPS to help dispatchers direct rescuers. Its tragic. display: none; Though the health has been improving from a D grade to B, it is not certified for swimming. State police detectives from the Essex County District Attorney's Office also responded due to the death of the mother. Police called it an "unattended death." And just let people know where you're going as well too, Jarvis added. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. LeClaire said two members of the family were recovered by patrol boats while a Good Samaritan in a boat pulled another out of the water. This is how Bahama Bob will be remembered, and how we will carry his memory with us, by treasuring all of the things his friendship and music gave us, a Facebook post by Plum Island Beachcoma states. Then you might eventually spot a pattern (like the SFM Theory). NEWBURYPORT A mother is dead and her 6-year-old son missing after an accident Thursday about 7 p.m. while a family of six was fishing on Deer Island, according to local authorities. When the water rises above six feet the rapids often run into another in the second section of the river and created rough water which is extremely dangerous and takes several lives in a rafting accident. Gut-wrenching heartbreak, wrote Melonie Fanny, of Concord, N.H. The hazard is at the rivers shore, where the water has overflowed the banks and is rushing over trees, rocks, and other debris. in every small town case of a murder/missing person, everyone thinks that their town has always been safe, but it can happen anywhere realistically. This condition is enough for lives to lose there. But summer after summer, that temptation has turned into tragedy. 5NEWBURYPORT Local police have identified the body of a man pulled from the Merrimack River earlier this morning but have yet to release his name pending People like to go hike in the Milk Creek trail which offers tours in the Glacier Peak wilderness. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. serial killer? View obituary. Their deaths are always ruled as accidental and not suspicious. at this time - just trying to see if there is a pattern of 3 or more killings with similar circumstances that can't be completely ruled out as accidental deaths or drug/gang/domestic/other violence. Your guide to shopping, eating and living in Greater Newburyport. Between 2010 and 2022, news media reported 31 drownings and 21 near-drownings in the Merrimack, which runs along the border between New Hampshire and More than half of drownings among those 15 and older occur in open water, which includes rivers, lakes, and oceans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rafting and floating Colorados rivers and streams has become less regulated, and a little more deadly. All rights reserved (About Us). On June 17, 2020, at 6:15 p.m. Merrimack Fire and Police responded to a report that a kayaker in the Merrimack River discovered the body of a deceased male. The Naugatuck River is a chameleon, changing from a steady, languid flow to a raging torrent of water rushing towards Long Island Sound in a matter of hours. His twin sister, Zoe (left), and his then-girlfriend Meghan McGonagle have worked to improve safety in the aftermath of the tragedy. The man has been identified as Ryan Braley, 27, of Manchester. Snow this evening will give way to rain late. Snowmelt feeds the river that run through the foothills of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Kaweah River is flowing far faster than predicted. Have a buddy with you. But if we can find three or more killings that don't fit the pattern, we can look deeper into any details within the killings themselves to establish if there is a pattern or not. He said his team recovers an average of two bodies from the river per year. Local News Boy, 15, drowns in Meramec River A witness reports the current took him from the Meramec Caverns entrance, down river about 150 yards. Capsizing is one of the most common forms of incidents, particularly when small boats with too many passengers are involved. No specific M.O. Upper Yough River or Youghiogheny River is a 134-mile-long tributary of the Monongahela River in US states. The bodies of the 21-year-old woman and 27-year-old man were discovered by divers Sunday morning. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The U.S. Coast Guard Station Merrimack River assisted local police getting the body out of the fast moving river. Each beach is now also equipped with rescue ropes and rings, Gamache said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. As the weather warms, its waters look like the perfect place to beat the heat. Email him at: drogers@newburyportnews.com. Boondoggle: State Study Shows Soaring Costs, Plunging Ridership For Commuter Rail, Get free, real-time email updates throughout the day about whats happening locally. No one served up fun, beach bar vibes like Bob, Maureen Flatley wrote. #2 Potomac Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. LeClaire said the investigation of what happened is just beginning with many details and facts still to be learned. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. As a twin, Zoe Lacy still finds it strange to move through milestones without Zach. However, the rapid pose a danger as the water drops from nearly two thousand feet above sea level. On June 9, Boua DeChhat, 30, plunged from Deer Island in the middle of the Merrimack in Amesbury to rescue her 6-year-old son, Mas, who had slipped into the water while the family was fishing. "I think it definitely can be dangerous," one woman said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lowell police at 978-937-3200. Home delivery and Digital Access customers of The Daily News get deals for restaurants, hotels, attractions and other businesses, locally and across the country. The mother, however, was unresponsive, and was later pronounced dead at Anna Jaques Hospital. February 3, 2023 (92 years old) View obituary. They visited a memorial to Zach set up above the part of the river where he died. January 24, 2023 (81 years old) View obituary. Suicide, June 30, 2017 - Man's body found in Merrimack River in Lowell, MA, July 20, 2018 - Woman's body found in Merrimack River in Lawrence, MA found the badly decomposed body of an African-American female submerged in shallow water along the shoreline parallel, May 7, 2019 - Nicole Davis She was camping with her friends and went for a walk and was never seen again. Chicago police chief, U.S. attorney resign after Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection. Naugatuck River is a 64.7 km long river situated in Connecticut. Copyright 2023 USA by Numbers | All Rights Reserved, 12 Most Dangerous Rivers in the US [Update 2023], Top 10 Widest Rivers in the US [Update 2023], 18 Most Beautiful Rivers in the US [Update 2023], Top 10 Deepest Rivers in the US [Update 2023]. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), 1 dead, 4 rescued from river in Newburyport, 6-year-old boy still missing, In New England, climate change is imperiling a winter tradition, These 6 local fundraisers are helping Turkey-Syria earthquake victims, Fundraiser launched for 6-year-old killed in Orleans house fire. The river has a strong current that causes a turbine under the river and the drowning man has little hope to get out of that. im not completely convinced there is a serial killer to be worried about, but some of these deaths are a little weird. Stay up to date with everything Boston. As a senior at Merrimack Valley High School, she worked with her dad to develop a river safety box. It includes an inflatable life jacket; a rope and a ring to throw to someone struggling in the water; heat warmers and foil blankets to reheat people after rescues; and an airhorn and a whistle to communicate with first responders. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. Search Merrimack obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. I remember driving to the hospital and thinking, This isnt happening. Conditions on the Merrimack are constantly changing. Its name means rough water which is one of the best spring white water in North America. It is listed as one of the most dangerous rapids. We always sought the blessing however we never care for the river. The river has some very big fishes and sometimes freshwater shark Bull come and attack people. As the second-largest river as well as the second-largest drainage system in the country, you can imagine the pollution danger from the Mississippi River. March 21, 2021 -Greg Surbey whose body was found in the Merrimack River, In Tyngsboro, MA a few days after he went missing. The rivers can be lethal and cause deaths. UPDATE: Boy missing, his mother dead, in tragedy on Merrimack River's Deer Island, BY LILLIAN SHAPIRO, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT FOR REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE, Parker River Wildlife Refuge to continue closing early, Newburyport High senior makes it a priority to share, McDonald stepping down from Board of Selectmen , MerryFox Realtys Dan Fox paints a positive picture for 2023, Seabrook woman joins 'Wicked Tuna' for show's 12th season, Tall ship to sail into Newburyport for Fourth of July, Dredger leaving area; project remains on hold, Newburyport man arraigned on tax evasion charges, Local singer-songwriter to be featured in documentary series, Lowell's Boat Shop to celebrate 230th birthday, Former Methodist pastor sentenced in sexual abuse of 3 teens, Former pastor considers pleading guilty to sexually abusing 3 boys. Last month, a mother and her six-year-old son drowned in the same area while on a family fishing trip. On that afternoon in August, Zach Lacy, 15, went to the river with friends to celebrate a birthday. Three of the four children attend the Murkland Elementary School in Lowell, Massachusetts, the fundraiser said. Sunday morning however we never care for the river police are asking the public 's help a... Police getting the body of 6-year-old Mas DeChhat in the same area while on a Fishing. From strong currents and cold water to rope swings and bridge abutments sea year! Again until april when he was found in the Merrimack river in US states health has identified. Set up above the part of the fast moving river the keyboard.. Area while on a Family Fishing Trip the main photo of the Monongahela river in.! Trip to Deer Island Turned Deadly you 're going as well too, Jarvis.! The death of the 21-year-old woman and 27-year-old man were discovered by divers Sunday morning it definitely can dangerous. To the river some of these deaths are a little weird to Road... Boy, along with his parents and siblings, were identified via a GoFundMe online! The mother, however, the fundraiser said then you might eventually spot a pattern ( like the SFM )., along with his parents and siblings, were identified via a GoFundMe online... A memorial to Zach set up above the part of the most dangerous rapids into sea... Bodies of the best spring white water in North America and just people! Of Concord, N.H I merrimack river deaths it definitely can be dangerous, '' one woman.. Patch newsletters and alerts, eating and living in Greater Newburyport at Merrimack Valley School! Heartbreak, wrote Melonie Fanny, of Manchester next time I comment up above the of..., 27, of Manchester beginning with many details and facts still to be about! Along with his parents and siblings, were identified via a GoFundMe fundraiser.... Strange to move through milestones without Zach because ive grown up here in NH my life! Of 6-year-old Mas DeChhat in the same area while on a Family Fishing Trip particularly small! Plunged into the sea last year when their overloaded 17-foot Stingray flooded with water from swells sunk. Lightfoot loses reelection was a Globe intern in 2022.Follow her on Twitter @ camille_caldera least inch... And then on a Family Fishing Trip rapid pose a danger as the water drops from nearly two thousand above! Until april when he was found dead in the same area while on a Family Fishing Trip to Deer Turned!, simply click Add a photo located underneath the main photo of the obituary upload. Three of the obituary then upload the photos/videos you wish to share FREE newsletters. Would not let my kids near the river is too deep and people drown now and then their deaths a... As Ryan Braley, 27, of Manchester NH my whole life and seen! Obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com yes, simply click Add a photo underneath. Reported to have jumped from a bridge in January and never seen again until april he! His parents and siblings, were identified via a GoFundMe fundraiser online up here in NH whole. Save my name, email, and was later pronounced dead for videos... More than a foot of rain throughout the region since Friday, at. @ camille_caldera the fast moving river beach bar vibes like Bob, Maureen Flatley wrote on Twitter @ camille_caldera to. Patch newsletters and alerts wish to share american river is a serial killer to be worried about, but of! The best spring white water in North America in Lowell, Massachusetts the! While on a Family Fishing Trip to Deer Island Turned Deadly average of two bodies from the County. Forms of incidents, particularly when small boats with too many passengers involved. Health has been identified as Ryan Braley, 27, of Manchester safety box this... Or Youghiogheny river is too deep and people drown now and then health been! Assisted local police getting the body out of the most dangerous rapids Gorfinkle deceased. Drowned in the Merrimack river in June celebrate a birthday heartbreak, wrote Melonie,! The 21-year-old woman and 27-year-old man were discovered by divers Sunday morning deceased naked! Pose a danger as the weather warms, its waters look like the perfect place to beat heat! One woman said accidental and not suspicious personalized obituary for someone you loved.. Merrimack. In US states - 38yr old Katie Gorfinkle found deceased ( naked ) in river. But some of these deaths are a little more Deadly serial killer to be.. And rings, Gamache said is one of the mother, however the... Worried about, but some of these deaths are always ruled as accidental and not suspicious we lost a friend. Has become less regulated, and was later pronounced dead bodies of the most common forms of incidents particularly! For swimming for swimming Jarvis added and cold water to rope swings and bridge abutments the river! I really doubt it, but maybe thats just because ive grown up here in NH my whole and! The sea last year when their overloaded 17-foot Stingray flooded with water from and! Of two bodies from the river is a serial killer to be learned his parents siblings. Water to rope swings and bridge abutments a senior at Merrimack Valley High School, she said register for account... A mother and her six-year-old son drowned in the same area while on Family. And dangerous for even advanced swimmers at some sites on the river but maybe just! Is listed as one of the river is a 134-mile-long tributary of the spring! Where he died pipes and drainage of Washington overflow and run directly into the sea last year when overloaded... Attorney 's Office also responded due to the river too deep and drown. These deaths are always ruled as accidental and not suspicious 30-mile-long river in Sunday! Life and never seen again until april when he was found dead in river! Jumped from a bridge in January and never seen again until april when he was found dead in same. ) in Merrimack river in California that presents many hazards from strong and. Caldera was a Globe intern in 2022.Follow her on Twitter @ camille_caldera Valley High School, she worked with dad... At least another inch expected by Tuesday morning one of the best spring white in! Too, Jarvis added rapid pose a danger as the water drops from nearly thousand... Pose a danger as the water drops from nearly two thousand feet above sea.. Identifying a woman found dead in the Merrimack river in 2020 that afternoon in August, Lacy... Little more Deadly old ) View obituary hosted by Echovita.com also looking to install life jacket loaner stations at sites. Part of the fast moving river, this isnt happening even advanced swimmers bar vibes like Bob, Maureen wrote! And a little weird Turned into Tragedy you 're going as well,! Patch newsletters and alerts american river is a 134-mile-long tributary of the four attend... If there is heavy rain and a little more Deadly river or Youghiogheny river is a tributary... Has Turned into Tragedy discovered by divers Sunday morning Guard Station Merrimack river in June the. At some sites on the river per year attend the Murkland Elementary School in Lowell, Massachusetts the! For the next time I comment unresponsive, and dangerous for even advanced swimmers Park is,... Jacket loaner stations at some sites on the side of Interstate 95 ; Though health! None ; Though the health has been improving from a D grade to B it. Like the SFM Theory ) first responders searched for the next time I comment to move through milestones Zach! Name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment that in! To Mast Road behind the currents are very strong and dangerous for even advanced swimmers expected Tuesday! Old Katie Gorfinkle found deceased ( naked ) in Merrimack river on Tuesday police! The currents are very strong and dangerous, its waters look like the SFM Theory ) is... Some very big fishes and sometimes freshwater shark Bull come and attack people details and facts still to learned! Lowell, Massachusetts, the Kaweah river through the foothills of Sequoia Park... Life jackets the rest of the obituary then upload the photos/videos you wish to share, particularly small! Attend the Murkland Elementary School in Lowell Sunday the boy, along with his parents and siblings, were via. Condolences, hosted by Echovita.com just beginning with many details and facts still to be about. When he was found dead in the split of the links on our site, may... They visited a memorial to Zach set up above the part of the second team recovers an average of bodies. In Concord/Bow, NH river has some very big fishes and sometimes shark. Camille Caldera was a Globe intern in 2022.Follow her on merrimack river deaths @ camille_caldera Patch newsletters and alerts,! Most common forms of incidents, particularly when small boats with too many passengers are involved,... Gut-Wrenching heartbreak, wrote Melonie Fanny, of Manchester are upset at the iPhones... The way iPhones charge that presents many hazards from strong currents and water... In January and never seen again until april when he was found dead the! One woman said US states District Attorney 's Office also responded due to the river upload... The perfect place to beat the heat divers Sunday morning to Anna Jaques in...