Stephen Paquette Obituary, Death – A man who had been missing for a week was tragically found inside his vehicle, submerged in the Connecticut River near the Mt. Orne covered bridge in Lancaster, New Hampshire, this past weekend. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department revealed that conservation officers discovered the body of Stephen Paquette, 41, on Saturday morning. This was a day after Lancaster police sought the help of the department for a specialized search of the river.
Paquette, a resident of Littleton, New Hampshire, had not been heard from in a week, which prompted concerns from the community and his loved ones. On Friday, Lancaster police were following up on information about Paquette’s disappearance when they found a clue that led them closer to solving the case. While searching near the river, officers came across a set of vehicle tracks that cut through a hay field and ended at the riverbank along Route 135.
This discovery led the police to suspect that a vehicle may have gone into the river, possibly with Paquette inside. As a result, they called the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for assistance, knowing the agency had specialized tools and expertise needed for such a search.
Early the next morning, at around 8:19 a.m. on Saturday, a conservation officer from the department employed a drone to help scan the area. The drone revealed a vehicle submerged in the river, near where the tire tracks had ended. With this finding, additional officers arrived to explore the submerged vehicle using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a tool often used for underwater searches. Upon closer inspection, the ROV confirmed that the vehicle was indeed registered to Paquette and that there was a person inside.
Following this discovery, authorities brought in a heavy wrecker to help retrieve the vehicle. Divers from the Fish and Game Department attached cables to the car underwater, and it was slowly winched out of the river and up the riverbank.
By approximately 1 p.m., investigators had confirmed that the individual inside the vehicle was Stephen Paquette. His body was found alone in the car, bringing a tragic end to the weeklong search.
While authorities did not share any further details about how or why Paquette’s vehicle ended up in the river, the investigation provided closure for his family and the community. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, but his recovery has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from the local community.
Despite the sadness surrounding this outcome, officials highlighted the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies in the search and recovery mission. Along with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, other agencies involved included the Lancaster and Littleton police departments, New Hampshire State Police, the marine patrol, Lancaster Fire Department, and several other local organizations. Their teamwork and dedication were critical in locating Paquette and bringing his body home.
Though this investigation resulted in a tragic conclusion, it underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in complex rescue and recovery missions. Each team played a role in gathering evidence, searching difficult terrain, and utilizing advanced technology to aid the search.
Paquette’s disappearance and death have shaken his hometown of Littleton and surrounding communities. His weeklong absence sparked concern, leading to an extensive search effort that culminated in the discovery of his body in the Connecticut River. For now, his family and friends are left to grieve their loss, as investigators continue to look into the details of what led to this tragic accident.
The collaboration between different agencies ensured that Paquette’s body was found, but the mystery behind how his vehicle ended up in the river persists. However, officials are staying tight-lipped about any potential causes, and it is unclear if foul play is suspected or if the incident was an accident.
In a time of grief, the community can take solace in knowing that many worked tirelessly to bring some form of closure to Paquette’s family. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support during difficult times.