FREEDOM, N.H. — Shawn Meader, 45, of Waterville, Maine, was pronounced deceased following an apparent drowning in Ossipee Lake early Saturday morning, August 8, 2026, according to the New Hampshire State Police. The investigation is being handled with assistance from Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau, New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol officers, members of the Troop E barracks, the Freedom Police and Fire Departments, the Center Ossipee Dive Rescue Team, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
According to authorities, the incident was reported at approximately 2:55 a.m. Saturday, when New Hampshire State Police dispatch received a call concerning a man who had entered Ossipee Lake in Freedom to swim.
The man was reportedly believed to have gone underwater and could not be located.
The emergency call prompted a response from multiple agencies, with first responders quickly arriving at the lake and beginning a search for the missing swimmer.
As responders worked to locate him, members of the Center Ossipee Dive Rescue Team joined the search effort. The rescue team eventually located the man in the water in the area where he had last been seen going under.
The man was recovered from the lake and brought to shore, where first responders immediately began lifesaving efforts.
Despite those efforts, the victim could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities later identified the victim as 45-year-old Shawn Meader of Waterville, Maine.
The sudden loss of Meader has brought tragedy to what began as an early-morning emergency response. His death has left family members, friends, and loved ones facing the heartbreaking reality of losing someone unexpectedly.
At this time, officials said the death is not believed to be suspicious. The exact circumstances surrounding how Meader entered the water and what led to his drowning remain under investigation.
Investigators will continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine what happened during the moments before Meader went underwater.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, demonstrating the extensive emergency response required during the search and recovery operation.
New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol officers and members of the Troop E barracks responded alongside personnel from the Freedom Police and Fire Departments. The Center Ossipee Dive Rescue Team played a critical role in the underwater search, ultimately locating and recovering Meader.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also assisted authorities as part of the investigation into the death.
For those who knew Shawn Meader, his passing is more than an investigation. It is the sudden loss of a person who had a life, relationships, memories, and people who cared about him.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain under review, but authorities have emphasized that there is currently no indication that the death was suspicious.
As investigators continue their work, Shawn’s family and loved ones are left to grieve and process a devastating loss.
The incident also serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in open water, particularly during nighttime and early-morning hours when visibility and conditions can make emergencies especially difficult to respond to.
Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the drowning.
Anyone who may have information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau at Christopher.J.Prenaveau@dos.nh.gov or (603) 223-8620.
The investigation remains ongoing.
As authorities work to determine exactly what happened at Ossipee Lake, thoughts remain with Shawn Meader’s family, friends, and everyone affected by his sudden passing.
May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may Shawn be remembered for the life he lived and the memories he created with those who knew him.
Forever remembered. Forever missed. Never forgotten.
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