HITS 95 Local News Update for Thursday July 16, 2026

Manchester Teen Dies in Merrimack River Drowning

New Hampshire State Police are investigating an apparent drowning in the Merrimack River in Canterbury. Authorities say 19-year-old Robert Batchelder of Manchester was swimming with coworkers just before 1 p.m. when he began to struggle and disappeared beneath the water. Witnesses tried to reach him, but he went under before they could help. Marine Patrol recovered Batchelder from the middle of the river. Rescue crews performed lifesaving efforts, but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The investigation remains ongoing.