Staff reports 9:12 a.m.
Sunday, June 22, 2025 9:14 am

GILFORD - The death of a teen thought to have drowned in Lake Winnipesaukee is being investigated by State Police.

The incident unfolded on Friday around 12:50 p.m. when Marine Patrol received a 911 call reporting a person had gone into the water and failed to resurface in Lake Winnipesaukee in the area known as the "Broads," near Diamond and Rattlesnake islands.

Marine Patrol officers located a boat with three women on board, who reported that a 17-year-old boy entered the water to recover a bag that had fallen overboard and, due to rough water conditions caused by strong winds, the teen appeared to struggle to swim, eventually submerged, and did not resurface.

An initial search was conducted by members of Marine Patrol, the Gilford Fire Department, and the Alton Fire Department, but the teen was unable to be located. The New Hampshire Fish & Game Dive Unit was then called to assist with the search, and at 7 p.m. the dive team found and recovered the teen's body.

The name of the victim is being withheld. An autopsy has been scheduled.

The initial investigation indicated this was a drowning. All aspects of the incident remain under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Sgt. Seth Alie of Marine Patrol at Seth.P.Alie@dos.nh.gov or 603-227-2117.