MANCHESTER –– Over the weekend, two bodies were discovered along the Merrimack River, prompting an investigation by local and state authorities.
The first body, found on Saturday at 1:45 p.m., was located behind the baseball stadium on Line Drive at the boat ramp, an area known for homeless encampments over the past five years. Responding to the scene were Manchester Fire, AMR, and police.
Manchester police spokesperson Heather Hamel identified the deceased as a 43-year-old man, though his name has not been disclosed.
According to Hamel, the death is not currently considered suspicious.
The body was discovered in a wooded area adjacent to the Merrimack River.
The second body was discovered on Sunday shortly before noon in the Merrimack River at the end of Chauncey Ave, near the base of a steep embankment. In response, the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol was called to the scene and is currently handling the investigation in conjunction with Manchester Police.
The second individual has been identified as 29-year-old Ashlee Krauss of Manchester. An autopsy was scheduled for today as part of the active and ongoing investigation, state police reported.
Marine Patrol has requested anyone who recently interacted with Krauss or has additional details regarding the case to contact New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol Sergeant Nicholas Haroutunian at 603-227-2112 or to call State Police dispatch at 603-223-4381.
Both deceased individuals were reportedly part of the local homeless community, according to a local advocate.
In their memory, a makeshift memorial has been erected outside the Families In Transition Shelter on Manchester Street.
