The serene waters of Beaver Brook in Hudson, New Hampshire, turned tragic on a quiet Sunday morning, leaving a community in mourning and a family grappling with an unimaginable loss. At 9:25 a.m. on May 11, 2025, a 65-year-old Nashua man, John Coutu, set out for what should have been a peaceful morning of fishing along the brook’s shore near Sullivan Road. Instead, the day ended in heartbreak when Coutu slipped into the swift, cold waters and did not resurface. His death, now under investigation by the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, has cast a somber shadow over the region, reminding residents of the hidden dangers lurking in seemingly tranquil waterways.
Emergency responders were quick to act when the call came in reporting a missing fisherman. A coalition of local agencies, including the Hudson Police Department, Hudson Fire Department, Windham Police and Fire Departments, Pelham Police and Fire Departments, Derry Police Department, and Nashua Fire Rescue, descended on the scene, their vehicles lining the quiet road as they launched a desperate search. The Marine Patrol, trained for water-based emergencies, led the effort, scouring the brook’s currents for any sign of the missing man. Less than an hour later, their worst fears were confirmed: Coutu’s body was recovered from the water, lifeless. The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was summoned to the scene to begin the process of determining the precise cause of death.
Investigators have indicated that Coutu was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, a detail that has sparked renewed conversations about water safety in the region. While preliminary findings suggest the death was an accidental drowning, with no signs of foul play, the Marine Patrol is leaving no stone unturned. Every aspect of the incident, from the conditions of the brook to the moments leading up to Coutu’s fall, is being meticulously examined to provide answers to his grieving family and the community at large. The Nashua Police Department also lent support to the investigation, highlighting the collaborative spirit among local agencies in times of crisis.
Beaver Brook, a picturesque waterway winding through Hudson, is a popular spot for fishing and recreation, but its beauty belies its potential hazards. Recent heavy rains had swollen the brook, creating fast-moving currents that could easily overwhelm even an experienced outdoorsman. Neighbors in the area noted that the spot near Sullivan Road, where Coutu was fishing, is frequented by anglers, drawn by the brook’s accessibility and abundant fish. Yet, the tragedy has underscored the need for vigilance, particularly during spring when water levels can be unpredictable.
John Coutu, described by those who knew him as a kind and quiet man, was a familiar face in Nashua. His love for fishing brought him to the brook that morning, a hobby that offered solace and connection to nature. His sudden loss has left a void, prompting an outpouring of condolences from friends and neighbors. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, hoping to piece together the final moments of Coutu’s life. Marine Patrol Sgt. Nicholas Haroutunian, reachable at (603) 227-2112, is leading the call for public assistance.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety near water. For now, the community of Hudson holds its collective breath, honoring the memory of a man whose love for fishing led to an unthinkable end.
