Summer afternoons on the Merrimack River usually mean relaxing on the water and catching a breeze with friends. But for the loved ones of Erick H. Machado, last Sunday turned into a nightmare nobody saw coming. Erick was only 31 years old, living right down the road in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was out enjoying the water on a personal watercraft when everything went wrong in an instant.
News of the tragedy spread quickly through Nashua and neighboring Hudson, leaving the community in complete shock. People who knew Erick are still struggling to process that he is really gone. He was someone whose warmth, kindness, and big heart made an impression on everyone around him. Now, those closest to him are holding onto precious memories of a life cut far too short.
The fatal accident happened around 5:16 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Erick was riding his personal watercraft along the Merrimack River in Hudson when his craft collided with the back of a pontoon boat. The impact sent him straight into the river, where he was struck by the pontoon boat’s propeller. The strike caused massive, severe injuries to his legs.
What happened next was a desperate scramble to save his life. The occupants aboard the pontoon boat dialed 911 immediately. Nearby bystanders riding on another personal watercraft did not hesitate for a second. They rushed over and helped pull Erick out of the water and onto another boat to get him to shore as fast as possible.
Waiting at the riverbank were emergency crews from the Hudson Police and Fire Departments. First responders worked tirelessly on the shore, giving everything they had to perform emergency life-saving measures. Tragically, the injuries were just too severe, and Erick was pronounced dead right there at the scene.
State Troopers and Officers with the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol quickly took over the investigation to figure out how the crash occurred. Preliminary findings show no sign of suspicious activity or foul play. It appears to be a devastating, tragic accident, though investigators are still putting together the exact timeline.
For the people of Nashua and Hudson, the river will feel a little quieter now. Friends and family are leaning on one another, offering comfort during an unimaginable time. Erick H. Machado lived with a spirit that touched many lives, and his memory will remain a lasting presence in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
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