Massachusetts Father Dies While Rescuing Mother, Child From NH River

ALBANY, NH — A man has drowned in a river in Albany after trying to rescue a mother and child in the Swift River Sunday.

A man from Massachusetts was on the Passaconaway roadside of the Swift River, east of the Albany-covered bridge. The mother and child became stuck in an area with fast-moving water at about 12:30 p.m. The father, identified as Vincent Parr, 37, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, attempted to rescue them and ultimately became caught in the current himself. The mother and child were able to get to shore. Bystanders helped bring Parr to the shoreline, where CPR was performed. Despite life-saving attempts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Responding agencies included New Hampshire State Police, MarinePatrol, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, U.S. Forest Service Rangers, and the Conway Fire Department.

New Hampshire has had two previous fatal water-related incidents in the last week.

Earlier this weekend a man drowned in Canterbury after the canoe he was in capsized. Despite efforts by his fiancée, he died at the scene.

Last week a Lynn, MA family was struck with tragedy when a mother tried to rescue her son in the water and died despite life-saving attempts by her husband. Two children were injured in that incident.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional details is asked to contact New Hampshire State Police – Marine Patrol Lieutenant Crystal McLain at 603-227-2113 or Crystal.H.McLain@dos.nh.gov.