After a thorough multi-agency search, the corpse of 25-year-old Jeremiah Willey was found in the Merrimack River, leaving the towns of Allenstown and Hooksett in sadness. Willey went into the river on Saturday night, April 11, 2026, according to New Hampshire State Police, following an incident on a railroad bridge close to Riverside Street in Hooksett.
Authorities reported that police received a call around 7 p.m. Saturday stating that a man had fallen into the river and was struggling to stay above the surface before disappearing underwater. Witnesses confirmed seeing Willey submerge and not resurface, prompting an immediate search effort by multiple emergency response teams.
Search operations continued for several hours Saturday night but were suspended due to darkness. Officials resumed the search at approximately 8 a.m. Sunday, April 12, deploying boats, sonar equipment, and dive teams from New Hampshire Fish and Game to scan the river.
At around 9:15 a.m., members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Team located and recovered Willey’s body from the Merrimack River. State Police confirmed his identity shortly afterward and notified his family.
Investigators believe Willey accidentally fell from the railroad bridge into the fast‑moving river. Police stated that there is no indication of foul play, and the death is not considered suspicious at this time. The investigation remains active as officials continue reviewing witness accounts and environmental conditions at the time of the fall.
The tragic incident has deeply affected the Allenstown and Hooksett communities, where residents expressed sorrow over the sudden loss of a young man. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution around railroad bridges and riverbanks, especially in areas with swift currents like the Merrimack River.