Mom dies trying to save young son who'd fallen into Franconia Falls

Franconia Falls in Lincoln, area of Tuesday's tragedy (Courtesy photo)

LINCOLN - A Massachusetts woman died on Tuesday while trying to save her son who had fallen into the Franconia Falls near the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River in Lincoln.

New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol responded a little before 4 p.m. after receiving a call for a person trapped at Franconia Falls.

An initial investigation revealed that a family of six from Lynn, Mass., along with a friend from Salem, Mass., had hiked to view the Franconia Falls. While at the falls, the family's 10-year-old son fell in the water requiring other family members to enter the pools to attempt a rescue. The 10-year-old was helped out of the water, but two other family members became trapped in the rocks and current.

Ultimately one of the two additional victims, an 18-year-old male, was freed from the water by family. He sustained injuries and was transported to Littleton Hospital in Littleton.

However, the 44-year-old mother of the family was located in the water below the falls and, despite resuscitation efforts by family members, was pronounced deceased.

The names of those in the group are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

This is an ongoing investigation, but alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor. Marine Patrol is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional details, to contact New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol Sergeant Joshua Dirth at (603) 227-2115 or Joshua.E.Dirth@dos.nh.gov, or call State Police dispatch at (603) 846-3333.