Officials identify man found in Merrimack River
By Maria Wilson
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HOOKSETT, N.H. (WMUR) — A body was recovered from the Merrimack River in Hooksett on Sunday after an hourslong search that began Saturday night.
Officials said the search started just after 7 p.m. Saturday after a man was reported to have accidentally fallen into the river from the railroad truck bridge near Riverside Street and Main Street.
According to New Hampshire State Police, a witness saw the man struggling to stay above water before he became submerged.
New Hampshire Fish and Game, Hooksett police and fire departments, and state police responded to the scene.
News 9 crews on scene Saturday saw multiple boats, along with drones and first responders searching the banks and water with flashlights. Parts of the railroad tracks were also taped off.
The search was suspended overnight before resuming early Sunday. Around 9:15 a.m., state police said the New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Team located and recovered the body.
The man was identified as 25-year-old Jeremiah Willey of Allenstown.
Christian Hall, a friend of Willey, helped search for him Sunday.
“I know he was out with his friend Nick, and they were drinking, and then, he went underneath this bridge to go to the bathroom, and I guess he lost his balance and fell in,” Hall said. “Then Nick went back to my car, which was parked at Robie’s County Store, and by the time Nick got back under the bridge, he was already underneath that one over there.”
Hall described Willey as quiet and fun to be around.
“He was a fun person. Pretty quiet guy to randoms. Didn’t really like too many people. He always liked to keep a small crowd,” he said.
Neighbors in Hooksett said the Merrimack River current is very strong.
State police said Willey’s death does not appear to be suspicious and remains under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau at 603-223-8620.
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