Homeless advocate dies at Willand Warming Center; police say drugs not involved

The Willand Warming Center located at 30 Willand Drive in Somersworth (Courtesy photo)

SOMERSWORTH - A beloved advocate for the homeless died at the Willand Warming Center in Somersworth on Thursday and is being mourned today by co-workers and those from the unsheltered community.
John Carberry, 70, who also advocated for those suffering from substance abuse, was found unresponsive when Somersworth Police, Fire and rescue personnel responded to the center around 4:40 p.m. following a report of a male who was not conscious, breathing, or alert.
Life-saving efforts were initiated, but were unsuccessful.
Carberry worked at the shelter for Community Action Partnership of Strafford County headed up by CEO Betsey Andrews Parker, who said she was devastated by the news.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, John Carberry," she said in statement on Friday. "Last night, while working with the community he loved, John suffered a medical emergency and passed away. This news remains as shocking to share this morning as it was to hear last night.
"John dedicated four years of his life to Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, tirelessly advocating for our unhoused neighbors and ensuring they received the support, dignity, and care they deserved. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the community will not soon be forgotten."
Carberry's cause of death will be determined by the state medical examiner, but it does not appear drugs or alcohol were involved, police say.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Somersworth Police Department directly at 603-692-3131, or they can leave an anonymous tip by phone at 603-692-9111 or online by visiting https://www.somersworth.com/police/webforms/submit-tip