Nashua Man Dies After Falling Into Brook In Hudson While Fishing From Shore

HUDSON, NH — A man has died after falling into the Beaver Brook in Hudson and being swept downstream in the strong current Sunday morning.

Two men were fishing on the banks of the brook near the bridge on Bridle Bridge Road that is on the Hudson and Windham town line. Bruce from Nashua, fishing with the man and survived, said the man went to a spot upstream to fish, and a short time later, he witnessed the man fall in the water. He said he ran to his truck to grab a strap and rope to throw to the victim, but he was out of reach and was downstream.

Fire, police and EMS responded from Hudson, Windham, Derry, Pelham, Nashua, and Londonderry. Multiple boats were immediately launched, and searches began on the shore and by a drone being flown above the area.

The body of the victim was pulled from the water and life-saving measures began immediately. After 20 minutes of efforts by firefighters, the man was pronounced dead.

New Hampshire State Police-Marine Patrol identified the man as John Coutu, 65, of Nashua.

Marine Patrol came to the scene and verified the man succumbed to injuries and they were awaiting the arrival of the medical examiner.

The witness to the drowning and an area resident said they have never seen the brook at the current level. Multiple days of rain appear to be causing the brook to spill over to the shore line and run at a faster than normal current.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news