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The teen was swimming with a co-worker Wednesday afternoon when he began to struggle.
July 16, 2026 | 10:20 AM
Less than a minute to read
A 19-year-old died Wednesday after he began to struggle while swimming in the Merrimack River and went under water.
The teen — Robert Batchelder, of Manchester, New Hampshire — was swimming with a co-worker in Canterbury when the incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m., according to New Hampshire State Police.
“Several people attempted to help him, but he went under water before they were able to reach him,” police said.
Concord firefighters ultimately recovered Batchelder from the middle of the river. He was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
“At this time, the death is not believed to be suspicious,” officials said. “The exact circumstances remain under investigation.”
John Waller
John Waller is a deputy editor overseeing news coverage on Boston.com. He is a Lexington native and Colby College graduate.
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