ALBANY, New Hampshire — A Lawrence man has died while trying to rescue his wife and stepson in a New Hampshire river.
Vincent Parr’s mother said he died how he lived, thinking about others. When you ask his family to describe the 37-year-old, his mother, Becky Parr, had this to say from her Vermont home.
“When it comes to what he did and how he did it and why he did it is because of the character of the man that he is,” said Becky Parr, mother.
Early Sunday afternoon, New Hampshire state police say it appears Vincent drowned in the fast-moving current in the Swift River in Albany. He jumped in to save his spouse and 19-year-old stepson with special needs.
“He obviously did not take the time to blink an eye. He just knew what he had to do, and he got in after them and he brought one of them up to shore,” said Becky Parr.
Both his spouse and stepson survived.
She understands Vincent brought both to shore and then slipped on a rock sending him back into the river. Good Samaritans heard screaming and ran to help. When they got Vincent to the shoreline, but unconscious he slipped in again.
“He was released from his (Good Samaritan’s) arms and he slipped off the riverbank and he floated back out to the river for a second time and when he floated back out an eddy grabbed him and took him down,” said Becky Parr. The Good Samaritans took action once again. “How can you go into that river knowing what it is two times and save the body and bring it home for the family, that’s wonderful for those people who have done that for us,” said Becky Parr.
Vincent was the eldest of four younger sisters. “If you knew him, you were going to like him. If you liked him, you were going to love him,” said Becky Parr.
Vincent was a Lawrence resident and worked as an engineer at Veranova Andover, according to his mother.
“Veranova is shocked and saddened by the events this past weekend that took the life of our colleague, Vincent Parr. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family at this very difficult time,” said the company in a statement. “Vincent was known and respected by many in Veranova and grief counselors will be onsite at our facility this week as our employees process this sudden and tragic loss.”
This is the second time in less than a week that something like this has happened. Last week, a Lynn mother drowned trying to save her son in Franconia Falls.
[ Lynn mother and wife of Everett police lieutenant drowns while trying to save son in New Hampshire ]
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional details is asked to contact New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol Lt. Crystal McLain at (603) 227-2113 or Crystal.H.McLain@dos.nh.gov.
An investigation into Parr’s death is ongoing.
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