A tragic boating accident on the Merrimack River claimed the life of a young father Sunday evening, leaving a family grieving and a community searching for answers.
Authorities identified the victim as 31-year-old Erick Holanda Machado of Nashua, who died after his jet ski collided with a pontoon boat on the Merrimack River near the Sagamore Bridge at the Hudson–Nashua town line.
According to New Hampshire Marine Patrol officials, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 5:16 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious boating accident involving a personal watercraft and a recreational boat. Responding agencies included New Hampshire Marine Patrol, New Hampshire State Police, and first responders from the Hudson Police and Fire Departments.
Preliminary information reported by local news outlet Infonh indicated that the collision involved a jet ski and a pontoon boat. WMUR later reported that Machado’s jet ski struck the rear of the pontoon boat, causing him to be thrown into the water, where he was subsequently struck by the vessel’s propeller. The impact resulted in catastrophic injuries.
Occupants aboard the pontoon boat immediately called 911 after the collision, authorities said. Emergency personnel quickly arrived on the scene, bringing Machado to shore where Hudson police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel initiated lifesaving measures.
Despite their efforts, Machado succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The devastating loss has left behind a young family. Machado’s wife, Ana, shared an emotional message on a GoFundMe page created to support the family during this difficult time. She described her husband as a devoted father to their two children—an 8-year-old and a 1-year-old—and said he had built a life in the United States after moving from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, approximately 10 years ago.
According to Ana, the fundraiser will help cover immediate family expenses as well as the costs associated with transporting Machado’s body back to Brazil, allowing relatives there an opportunity to say their final goodbyes.
The tragedy has resonated deeply with friends, relatives, and members of both the local community and the Brazilian community in New Hampshire, many of whom have expressed condolences and support for the grieving family.
Officials have not released additional information regarding what may have led to the collision. The incident remains under active investigation by the New Hampshire Marine Patrol, which is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information that could assist the investigation to contact Trooper First Class Micah Jones at Micah.A.Jones@dos.nh.gov or by phone at 603-724-8026.
The fatal crash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of boating safety during the busy summer recreation season, when waterways across New Hampshire experience increased traffic from personal watercraft, fishing boats, and recreational vessels. Authorities routinely encourage operators to maintain safe speeds, remain alert to surrounding traffic, and follow navigation rules designed to prevent collisions.
As investigators continue their work, Machado’s family is focused on honoring his memory and navigating the difficult days ahead. Loved ones remember him not only as a hardworking immigrant pursuing a better future, but also as a devoted husband and father whose life was cut tragically short.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not announced whether any additional findings or enforcement actions will result from the incident.
