ISLES OF SHOALS, N.H. — Somber Death Investigation Underway

ISLES OF SHOALS, N.H. — Somber Death Investigation Underway

Authorities are investigating after the body of 35-year-old David Paul Stover Shader of Boston was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean near the Isles of Shoals over the weekend.

🗓️ Incident Overview

• On Sunday, July 13, 2025, just after 9:15 a.m., a person aboard a fishing vessel spotted a body floating in the water near the Isles of Shoals and notified the U.S. Coast Guard.

• The Coast Guard informed the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, who responded and recovered the remains.

• Initial reports described the individual as unidentified, with no immediate details available regarding age or gender

👤 Victim Identification & Current Status

• On August 2, 2025, state authorities confirmed the deceased was David Paul Stover Shader, 35, from Boston. He was last confirmed to be in the Boston area.State Police emphasize that no foul play is suspected and that the death is not considered suspicious at this time. They also noted no known public safety threats related to the incident.

🔍 Ongoing Investigation

• The circumstances surrounding how Shader ended up in the water are still under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the cause and manner of death.

• The NHSP Major Crime Unit and New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office are collaborating on forensic analysis, including autopsy and toxicology results.

• Public assistance is requested—anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Sergeant Stephen O’Connor at 603‑556‑3183 or via email at 

🌊 Setting & Recovery Conditions

The Isles of Shoals, located about six miles off the coast at the border of New Hampshire and Maine, are known for their rocky terrain and maritime significance. While scenic, the offshore waters can be unpredictable, and recoveries in this area require coordination with marine patrol and Coast Guard units.

Retrieval and investigation of remains found at sea face challenges such as advanced decomposition, water exposure, and difficulty establishing time of entry—necessitating careful forensic examination to establish a clear timeline and determine contributing factors.

🧭 Broader Context & Considerations

Recovery of unanticipated bodies from open water—even in the Northeast—can prompt concerns about possible accidents, medical emergencies, or criminal involvement. However, authorities in Shader’s case have explicitly stated that:

• There is no current public safety concern tied to this incident.

• The investigation maintains an official classification of an unattended death as opposed to homicide or suspicious circumstances.

At this stage, without signs of trauma or confirmatory indicators, officials approach the case with procedural caution, pending more definitive forensic results.

📝 Summary Table

💔 Final Reflection

While initial findings indicate no suspicion of foul play, the fate of David Paul Stover Shader, discovered miles offshore under unexplained circumstances, remains deeply unfortunate. The investigation continues, with authorities committed to uncovering the full circumstances—ranging from how Shader entered the water to the precise cause and manner of death.

Community members, mariners, and any individuals who may have relevant observations—such as early sightings or unusual activity offshore—are encouraged to share information with officials. Until definitive findings are available, family, friends, and loved ones are left grappling with a tragic and unresolved loss.