Death Investigation Underway After Body of 35-Year-Old Boston Man Found in Waters Near Isles of Shoals
ISLES OF SHOALS, N.H. — A somber investigation is now underway after the body of David Paul Stover Shader, a 35-year-old Boston resident, was discovered floating in the Atlantic Ocean near the Isles of Shoals over the weekend, according to authorities with the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol.
Officials confirmed that the body was recovered Saturday afternoon after a boater spotted a person unresponsive in the water approximately one mile offshore from the picturesque cluster of islands straddling the Maine-New Hampshire border. A distress call was immediately made, prompting a swift response from the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Patrol units, and local rescue services.
Despite immediate recovery efforts, Shader was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the circumstances of his death remain unclear, and a full autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause and manner of death.
According to preliminary reports, Shader had traveled to the coastal region earlier in the week and was believed to have been staying in the Portsmouth area. It remains unknown what brought him to the Isles of Shoals, a location known for its rugged natural beauty, deep maritime history, and remote accessibility.
Authorities are investigating all possibilities, including accidental drowning, foul play, or a medical episode that may have occurred while Shader was in or near the water.
“Right now, we’re keeping all options on the table,” said Lt. Nathaniel Goodwin of the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol. “We are working closely with the medical examiner’s office and coordinating with Massachusetts law enforcement to piece together Mr. Shader’s movements leading up to his death. We owe his family answers.”
The Isles of Shoals, consisting of nine small islands, are primarily uninhabited with limited public access except for seasonal tourism and scientific research. The terrain and strong currents in the surrounding waters can present hazards even to experienced boaters or swimmers. Officials have not confirmed whether Shader was visiting the islands by boat or if his body may have drifted from another location.
The discovery has left those who knew David Shader stunned and grieving. Originally from the Midwest, Shader had relocated to Boston several years ago, where he worked as a freelance designer and software consultant. Friends describe him as thoughtful, creative, and deeply introspective, with a passion for nature and the ocean.
“He had a soul that felt everything deeply,” said longtime friend and colleague Maria Jennings. “He was the kind of person who would go out to the shore just to watch the waves and reset. It’s devastating to think that the very place that brought him peace may have played a part in his passing.”
His family has since issued a brief statement thanking the public and authorities for their support during this difficult time. “David was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. We are grateful to those who are working to bring us answers,” the Shader family said.
As part of the investigation, police are reviewing hotel records, cell phone data, surveillance footage from marinas, and recent communications to establish Shader’s timeline prior to his death. Anyone who may have encountered Shader in the days leading up to the discovery is urged to contact the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol at (603) 293-2037.
Meanwhile, members of the Boston and Portsmouth communities are planning a memorial to honor Shader’s life and legacy. His death marks a tragic loss for many who knew him not just as a professional, but as a kind, thoughtful, and spiritually attuned individual who left a quiet yet lasting impact on those around him.
This is a developing story. More information will be released as authorities complete the autopsy and continue their investigation.
