Body of missing middle school student pulled from icy river in New Hampshire

DOVER, N.H. (WHDH) - The body of a 12-year-old boy who was reported missing Thursday after failing to return home from school was pulled from an icy river in Dover, New Hampshire, on Friday, officials said.

Investigators searching for Nathaniel Boily in the area of the Bellamy River near Back River Road and Central Avenue found evidence indicating the boy had fallen through the ice-covered body of water, according to Dover police.

A New Hampshire Fish and Game dive team found Boily in the water around 1 p. m., officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the cause and manner of Boily’s death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, officials said it appears to be an accidental drowning.

An autopsy will be conducted in the coming days.

Boily was last seen leaving Dover Middle School at the end of the school day on Thursday afternoon. Family members contacted police when he did not return home. A missing person investigation began immediately and continued throughout the evening and overnight hours.

“We discovered evidence on the Riverside that he may have gone into the river,” Dover Lt. Brant Dolleman said. “There were some tracks and other aspects that they were able to find. This is his normal route home from school. Whether he’s been on the ice before we’re not prepared to say. It’s obviously a tragic outcome and our hearts prayers go out to them.”

Grief counselors will be made available at the school on Monday.

Boily’s death remains under investigation.

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