Search Underway for Person Who Fell Into Merrimack River in Hooksett

Novel Hampshire State Police and multiple emergency agencies are currently searching the Merrimack River in Hooksett after an individual fell from a railroad bridge on Saturday evening. Rescue teams are utilizing specialized equipment, including thermal imaging drones, to locate the missing person.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, April 11, 2026. According to reports, the New Hampshire State Police received a call at approximately 7:08 p.m. Stating that an individual had fallen into the river from a railroad track bridge. The bridge is located near the intersection of Riverside and Main streets in Hooksett.

The identity of the individual has not been released as the investigation continues. Authorities have clarified that there is no known threat to the general public resulting from this incident.

The Search and Rescue Operation

A massive coordinated effort is underway to locate the individual. Response teams deployed boats to search the water and riverbanks, focusing on the area where the river flows southbound toward Manchester. To increase the chances of discovery, crews utilized drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities to scan the water and surrounding terrain.

The search is a multi-agency operation involving several departments:

• New Hampshire State Police: Including Marine Patrol and troopers from Troop D and Troop G.
• Hooksett Police Department
• Hooksett Fire-Rescue Department
• Hopkinton Police Department
• New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

After several hours of searching on Saturday night, rescue teams paused operations overnight. According to the Concord Monitor, search efforts were scheduled to resume in daylight on Sunday morning, April 12.

Key Takeaways: Hooksett River Search

• Location: Railroad track bridge near Riverside and Main streets, Hooksett, NH.
• Timing: Incident reported at 7:08 p.m. Saturday. search resumed Sunday morning.
• Technology Used: Boats and thermal imaging drones.
• Current Status: Active search ongoing; identity of the person remains undisclosed.

How to Provide Information

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in the search to come forward. As reported by the Union Leader, the point of contact for this investigation is Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau.

Contact Information:

• Phone: (603) 223-8620
• Email: Christopher.J.Prenaveau@dos.nh.gov

Summary and Next Steps

The search for the missing person in Hooksett remains a priority for New Hampshire State Police and local emergency responders. With the transition to daylight operations on Sunday, the use of thermal drones and boat crews continues to be the primary strategy for locating the individual. Further updates regarding the identity of the person or the outcome of the search are expected as the investigation progresses.