In Loving Memory of Jeremiah Willey, 25, Recovered from Merrimack River After Multi-Agency Search in Hooksett

HOOKSETT, N.H. — In loving memory of Jeremiah Willey, 25, of Allenstown, whose life was tragically lost after he was recovered from the Merrimack River following an extensive multi-agency search that began on Saturday evening.

Willey was reported missing after an incident near a railroad bridge by Riverside Street in Hooksett, where a witness stated he was seen struggling in the water before disappearing beneath the surface and not resurfacing.

The search resumed early Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, after being paused overnight due to darkness. At approximately 9:15 a.m., members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Team located and recovered his body from the Merrimack River.

The search operation involved a large coordinated response from multiple agencies, including marine patrol units, dive teams, and local first responders. Boats equipped with side-scan sonar were used to scan the river, while divers worked carefully through the water to locate the missing man. Drones with thermal imaging were also deployed during the search efforts.

Assistance was provided by New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, Troop D and Troop G troopers, Hooksett Police Department, Hooksett Fire-Rescue personnel, and the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who responded following the recovery.

Authorities have stated that Willey’s death is not believed to be suspicious at this time, though the investigation remains ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The search began the night before, on April 11, 2026, at approximately 7:08 p.m., after reports came in that an individual had fallen into the Merrimack River from a railroad bridge near Riverside Street and Main Street in Hooksett. Emergency crews immediately responded, launching a wide-scale search of both the water and surrounding riverbanks.

Despite several hours of effort, the search was suspended overnight and resumed at first light on Sunday. Officials later confirmed the recovery of Willey’s body, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search.

There is no known threat to the public connected to this incident.

Jeremiah Willey is now being remembered as loved ones and the community mourn his passing, as authorities continue to review the circumstances of this tragic accident.