An adult man died late Sunday afternoon when his kayak overturned in the Merrimack River in the vicinity of the William H. Moody School in Haverhill.
Haverhill firefighters, initially from the High Street station because of its close proximity and equipment, were dispatched around quarter to five. Haverhill Fire Chief Robert M. O’Brien said they were followed by the launch of the department’s inflatable boat from Water Street, the harbormaster in his vessel, Haverhill Police, Massachusetts State Police dive team and state Environmental Police. O’Brien said access from Margin Street proved troublesome with a firefighter breaking an ankle.
O’Brien told WHAV, “They had to cut a chain link fence. There was heavy overgrowth. A firefighter broke an ankle because it was so steep there.”
He said firefighters managed to climb down the embankment, work from the shoreline and enter the river with life preservers and tag lines. The kayaker, whose name has not yet been released, was recovered from the water around 6:30 p.m.
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said he has ordered an immediate review to determine if there are more steps or signage that will deter access to the river at that point.
“Our city today is devastated to learn that a man has died while canoeing on the Merrimack River. The man’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to the family,” the mayor said in a statement.
Fiorentini reminded residents that “no one should ever swim, boat or kayak in the Merrimack River or in any other body of water without a life jacket. No one should ever swim or boat alone. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and urge all residents to take additional precautions so that this drowning tragedy does not reoccur.”
State Police detectives assigned to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office conducted a death investigation at the scene along with Haverhill Police and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.