Concord, New Hampshire – A Concord woman was pronounced dead Sunday after being pulled from the Merrimack River in what authorities say was a possible drowning linked to a medical emergency.
According to the New Hampshire State Police, 67-year-old Claire Knowles was found unresponsive in the river near Concord at approximately 11:52 a.m. on Sunday, August 17. The NHSP Marine Patrol responded to the report of a person in distress, later confirmed to be Knowles, who had been tubing in a mild current.
Authorities said the preliminary investigation revealed Knowles had entered the water to retrieve her tube and suffered a medical event while swimming back to shore. Two bystanders reportedly attempted lifesaving measures until first responders arrived, though efforts to revive her were ultimately unsuccessful. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Concord police and fire departments, along with the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, assisted at the scene.
State Police said the investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Marine Patrol Sergeant Nicholas Haroutunian at (603) 293-2037 or via email at Nicholas.M.Haroutunian@dos.nh.gov.
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