UPDATE: Tragic Death Investigation Underway at Lake Winnipesaukee Following Drowning of Teen Boy
GILFORD, N.H. — A day on the water turned into a heartbreaking tragedy as the community of Gilford and surrounding areas mourns the loss of a 17-year-old boy who drowned in Lake Winnipesaukee on Friday, June 20, 2025. A comprehensive investigation is now underway, led by the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, after the teen failed to resurface while swimming in the area known as the “Broads,” near Diamond and Rattlesnake Islands.
A Sudden Turn to Tragedy
The distress call came in at approximately 12:48 p.m. when New Hampshire Marine Patrol received a 9-1-1 report that a person had entered the water and had not returned to the surface. Marine Patrol units responded promptly to the location, where they found a boat with three women on board. The women explained that a 17-year-old boy had gone into the lake in an attempt to retrieve a bag that had accidentally fallen overboard.
Despite his good intentions, rough water conditions—exacerbated by strong winds common to that stretch of the lake—created a dangerous situation. Witnesses say the teen appeared to struggle almost immediately and eventually submerged beneath the waves without resurfacing.
Emergency Response and Search Efforts
Upon receiving the call, a rapid and coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated. Crews from Marine Patrol, Gilford Fire Department, and Alton Fire Department combed the area, but initial efforts were unsuccessful in locating the missing teen.
As concern mounted and daylight began to wane, specialized assistance was requested. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Unit arrived on scene to conduct underwater search operations. After several hours of painstaking effort, the diver team tragically recovered the teen’s body at 7:02 p.m. that evening.
Identity Withheld, Investigation Continues
Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim, citing the need to notify all family members and to respect their privacy during this time of unimaginable grief. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of death, though initial reports strongly indicate accidental drowning as the cause.
Community Reeling from Loss
Though the identity of the young man remains private, the incident has cast a pall over the Lakes Region. Lake Winnipesaukee is known for its natural beauty and summertime recreation, making this tragedy particularly jarring to both locals and tourists. Residents who frequent the lake described the conditions in the “Broads” area as notoriously tricky, especially on days with heavy winds.
“This lake is part of our lives and summers here,” one longtime Gilford resident shared. “But it can turn dangerous in an instant. My heart is broken for that family.”
Local schools, churches, and youth organizations are expected to offer support to grieving classmates and friends as the community comes to terms with the sudden loss.
A Reminder of the Lake’s Power
Lake Winnipesaukee, beloved for boating and water sports, is also known for unpredictable currents, shifting winds, and deep waters, especially in the mid-lake areas like the Broads. Marine Patrol officials are reminding boaters and swimmers to prioritize safety and use personal flotation devices whenever entering the water.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of how quickly things can go wrong, even for confident swimmers,” said Sgt. Seth Alie of Marine Patrol. “We urge everyone to exercise caution, particularly during windy conditions and in deeper areas of the lake.”
Request for Public Assistance
The investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone who was in the vicinity of Diamond or Rattlesnake Islands around the time of the incident and may have seen anything to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Sgt. Seth Alie at Seth.P.Alie@dos.nh.gov or call 603-227-2117.
As Gilford and the broader New Hampshire community mourns this tragic loss, the memory of a young life gone too soon weighs heavily. While his name is not yet public, the sorrow is deeply felt across the region. May his family find comfort in the love and support that now surrounds them.
Rest in peace, young soul. You will not be forgotten.