Merrimack River drowning victim identified as Allentown man

HOOKSETT - The body of a man who fell into the Merrimack River on Saturday was recovered by a New Hampshire Fish and Game dive team on Sunday.

After being temporarily suspended overnight due to darkness, the search resumed around 8 a.m. Sunday and found the body of Jeremiah Willey, 25, of Allenstown, around 9:15 a.m.

The victim is believed to have accidentally fallen into the river while on a railroad bridge near Riverside Street in Hooksett, according to a press release on Sunday. A witness observed him struggling to stay above the surface before he submerged.

During the search operations, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Team deployed boats equipped with side-scan sonar, along with divers, to conduct a systematic search of the area. State Troopers and New Hampshire State Police - Marine Patrol Officers also assisted with search efforts on the water.

The victim's death is not considered suspicious at this time and remains under active investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau at (603) 223-8620 or Christopher.J.Prenaveau@dos.nh.gov.