Body of missing 12-year-old from Dover, NH pulled from Bellamy River

DOVER, N.H. — Police are investigating after the death of a 12-year-old boy who was found in the Bellamy River in Dover, New Hampshire.

Police say 12-year-old Nathaniel Boily was last seen Thursday afternoon leaving Dover Middle School at the end of the school day.

Boily's family members contacted police when he didn't return home, and a missing persons investigation then began and continued through the night.

The investigation brought police to the Bellamy River in Dover in the area of Back River Road and Central Avenue Friday morning, where evidence indicated Boily had fallen through the ice.

“Ice over rivers isn’t the same as ponds or lakes and that ice can be very thin," Dover Police Lietuenant Brant Dolleman said. "Certainly it’s iced over, it’s been a cold few days, but it’s just not that thick.”

The river is just steps away from his home, right on the path back from school.

"It's a very short walk, it was a normal thing for him to do," Dolleman said. "It’s probably less than a half mile from his house to his school, a lot of students walk that route.”

Dover Police believe the boy made a small detour on his walk home, and he was found in the icy river which runs right along the apartment complex where he lived.

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The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Dive Team responded to the scene and found Boily in the water around 1 p.m., and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of his death has yet to be determined with an autopsy scheduled to be conducted, but preliminary investigation shows it appears to be an accidental drowning.

"Our hearts go out to the family," Dolleman said. "They're devastated. There is a school community who is devastated, and there's a ripple effect through the city and the surrounding community."

Dover Schools sent parents the following letter Friday:

"The Dover School District is devastated to learn of the untimely passing of seventh-grader Nathaniel Boily.  His death appears to be an accidental drowning. Nathaniel has attended school in the District since kindergarten and was a valued member of our school community.

Students will be made aware of resources and support available to them as we process through this tragic loss.  Supports available will include school counselors and counselors from other area agencies.

If you or your child need support over the weekend or at any time, please contact Community Partners Emergency Services at 516-9300. This is a 24-hour emergency line.

The entire Dover School Community extends its heartfelt sympathy to Nathaniel's family, friends and relatives at this difficult time."

Cox Media Group