CANTERBURY, N.H. — The New Hampshire State Police is investigating an apparent drowning in Canterbury.
At 12:56 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Marine Patrol Officers responded to a report that a swimmer had gone under water in the Merrimack River in Canterbury and did not resurface.
Upon arrival on the scene, first responders from the Concord Fire Department launched a boat to search the area and located the man near the middle of the river. They recovered him from the water and began lifesaving measures. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as Robert Batchelder, 19, of Manchester.
The preliminary investigation determined that Batchelder was swimming with a co-worker when he began to struggle in the water. Several people attempted to help him, but he went under water before they were able to reach him.
At this time, the death is not believed to be suspicious. The exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Marine Patrol Officers were assisted by members of the Canterbury Police Department, Boscawen Police Department, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, Concord Fire Department, Canterbury Fire Rescue Department, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau at Christopher.J.Prenaveau@dos.nh.gov or (603) 724-5693.