Police Believe Body Found In Tyngsboro Is Missing Nashua Teen
NASHUA, N.H. (CBS) -- Monday was the first day back at Nashua High School North since students got word of a missing classmate who apparently fell into a storm drain to his death over the weekend.
"It's just unreal," said one student. "I can't even imagine, like it doesn't even seem real to me that something like this could happen."
Sophomore Jacob Goulet, 16, was reported missing Saturday morning when he didn't return home after leaving a friend's house during a heavy rain storm.
Grief counselors due at #Nashua HS North after presumed death of 16 y.o. student. Body found Sunday believed to be Jacob Goulet. #wbz pic.twitter.com/cyCCylfqUz
— Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) October 24, 2016
A body found in the Merrimack River in Tyngsboro on Sunday, ten miles downstream, appears to be his--though the medical examiner has yet to make a positive identification.
On Friday night, police responded to a report of an open storm drain by Main Street and Water Street in Nashua with an umbrella and hat on the ground nearby. Jacob's parents later confirmed the items found near the scene were likely his.
There were no witnesses, and heavy water flow made it difficult for emergency responders to determine whether someone may have fallen in.
A Massachusetts State Police helicopter found a body in the Merrimack River in nearby Tyngsboro, and Nashua Police said clothing found on the body matches what Goulet was wearing when he went missing.
A small memorial near where Goulet was believed to have fallen was growing Monday morning. Goulet's friends have visited to leave candles, flowers, and balloons.
Flowers near river in #Nashua NH where Jacob Goulet is believed swept away Friday night. Body found in Tyngsboro believed to be 16 y.o. #wbz pic.twitter.com/FXzSD0Z8qW
— Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) October 24, 2016
That grate has now been re-covered, and the City of Nashua said in a release that they were working to make sure other such covers were secure.
"Multiple Public Works crews are currently working to secure all sewer interceptor covers in the City with tamper-proof bolts and locks," the release read. "The crews will replace any existing aluminum covers on interceptors with stainless steel covers which are heavier and more durable."
The city also said it was securing manhole covers in sidewalks and crosswalks in the wake of the tragedy.
According to the Nashua Fire Department, the pressure from the large volume of water had forced the vault cover open.
Jacob was known as a talented bass guitarist, and a kid who loved the arts.
"He was a really neat kid and will be greatly missed by our school community," said one teacher at Nashua High North Monday. "These are the worse examples of things you have to do as an educator. It's very sad."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports