HUDSON, N.H. – The New Hampshire State Police are investigating a deadly boat crash in Hudson.
At 5:16 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Marine Patrol Officers and State Troopers assigned to the Troop B barracks responded to a report of a boat crash with serious injuries on the Merrimack River in Hudson.
The preliminary investigation determined that the victim, identified as Erick H. Machado, 31, of Nashua, was on a personal watercraft when it collided with the rear of a pontoon boat. Machado entered the water and was struck by the pontoon boat's propeller, causing severe injuries to his legs.
The occupants of the pontoon boat immediately called 9-1-1, while bystanders operating another personal watercraft assisted in bringing Machado aboard another boat. He was transported to shore, where first responders from the Hudson police and fire departments started emergency lifesaving efforts. However, Machado succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
At this time, the death is not believed to be suspicious. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Marine Patrol Officers and Troopers were assisted at the scene by members of the Hudson police and fire departments, and the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Trooper First Class Micah Jones at Micah.A.Jones@dos.nh.gov or (603) 724-8026
