The search for a missing young man in Hooksett ended in heartbreak Sunday morning, as authorities confirmed the body recovered from the Merrimack River was 25-year-old Jeremiah Willey of Allenstown. What began as a tense overnight search turned into a grim recovery that has left a community shaken.
Officials said the search had been paused overnight due to darkness, a necessary but difficult decision for crews working against time. By early Sunday, around 8 a.m., teams were back on the water, determined to bring answers. Just over an hour later, at approximately 9:15 a.m., divers located Willey’s body beneath the surface.
Investigators believe Willey accidentally fell into the river from a railroad bridge near Riverside Street. According to a witness, the moment was sudden and terrifying. The witness reported seeing Willey struggling in the water, fighting to stay afloat before eventually slipping beneath the surface and disappearing.
Search crews worked methodically through the area, using boats equipped with side-scan sonar to scan the riverbed. Divers were then deployed to follow up on findings, moving carefully through the cold, murky water. The operation was coordinated and extensive, involving multiple agencies working in sync.
Among those assisting were state police units, marine patrol officers, local police and fire departments, and medical examiner personnel. Each played a role in ensuring the search was thorough, even as the chances of a rescue faded with time.
Authorities have made it clear that, based on current evidence, Willey’s death does not appear suspicious. Still, the investigation remains open as officials continue to piece together the final moments leading up to the fall.
For those who knew him, the loss cuts deep. A young life ended suddenly, in a matter of moments, leaving behind questions, grief, and a quiet stretch of river now tied to a tragic memory
