Three people, including a young Boy Scout and a woman from Beverly, Massachusetts, tragically lost their lives in separate incidents in New Hampshire waters on Friday, according to state police. The incidents occurred in Gilmanton, Manchester, and Madison, and involved a boating accident, a body found in a river, and a possible drowning.
The first incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Manning Lake in Gilmanton. New Hampshire 911 received a call regarding a boating accident in which a young child was injured. Sadly, the boy, whose age and hometown were not released, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was part of a group of campers from out-of-state who were at the Boy Scout camp in New Hampshire for the week.
While responding to the boating accident, Marine Patrol received another call about a body found on the Piscataquog River in Manchester, near the border of Goffstown. Boaters alerted the Manchester Police after discovering the body later identified as Shawn Barton, 40, whose address is currently unknown. The Marine Patrol, along with Troopers from Troop B and the Major Crime Unit, is actively investigating Barton’s cause of death.
The third incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Middle Pea Porridge Pond in Madison. Authorities received a call about a possible drowning involving a swimmer who had not returned to her family after being on the water in front of their rental property. The swimmer was identified as Amy Posocco, 41, from Beverly, Massachusetts. Despite the immediate efforts of family and neighbors to find her, Posocco could not be located. A dive team of Ossipee first responders eventually discovered Posocco’s body approximately 90 feet offshore. The investigation into her death is ongoing, but state police believe it was accidental.
The New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol extended their condolences to the families of the victims and expressed gratitude to the agencies that provided assistance during the incidents. These agencies include New Hampshire State Police – Troop B, Troop E, and the Major Crime Unit, New Hampshire Fish and Game, Gilmanton Police, Gilmanton Fire and Rescue, Alton Ambulance, Manchester Police and Fire, Ossipee Fire and Rescue, and the New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office.
These tragic incidents serve as a somber reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for vigilance while engaging in any water activities. Authorities urge everyone to ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge, equipment, and precautions to prevent such accidents and protect themselves and others.
