On a quiet summer morning, July 13, 2025, a fishing vessel off the coast of New Hampshire made a grim discovery that would ripple through the community of Rye and beyond. A body was spotted floating in the Atlantic Ocean near the Isles of Shoals, a cluster of small islands several miles from the mainland. The New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol responded swiftly, recovering the remains of an unidentified man from the water. On August 3, authorities confirmed the identity of the deceased as David Paul Stover Shader, a 35-year-old Boston resident and Marine Corps veteran. The news of Shader’s death has left his family, friends, and community grappling with sorrow and unanswered questions, as investigators work diligently to piece together the circumstances surrounding his tragic end.
David Shader, known to his mother, Lilice Shader, as a “sweet kid,” was last seen in the Boston area, though the exact timeline of his final days remains unclear. A graduate of the Marine Corps, where he served four years, including a tour in Afghanistan, Shader had transitioned to a career in information technology. His mother recalled their last conversation on Mother’s Day, when he called to express his love, a memory that now carries the weight of loss. “I’m just in shock,” Lilice shared, her voice heavy with grief, as she spoke of the suddenness of her son’s death. The family, including Shader’s older brother and several aunts and uncles, is planning a memorial service in Saratoga, New York, to honor his life in the coming weeks.
The New Hampshire State Police, with assistance from the Major Crime Unit and the New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office, have been working meticulously to identify Shader and determine the cause and manner of his death. The investigation began when a fisherman reported the sighting to the U.S. Coast Guard around 9:15 a.m. on July 13. Marine Patrol officers located the body near the Isles of Shoals, a remote and rugged area known for its historical significance and natural beauty. Authorities have stated that Shader’s death is not believed to be suspicious, and there is no known threat to public safety. However, the details of how Shader entered the water remain elusive, prompting a thorough and ongoing investigation.
Investigators are exploring all possible leads to understand the events leading up to Shader’s death. Shader’s last known whereabouts in Boston provide a starting point, but the journey from there to the waters off Rye is still a mystery. The Isles of Shoals, located southeast of Kittery, Maine, and accessible only by boat, add a layer of complexity to the case. The area is not a common destination for casual visitors, raising questions about how Shader came to be in such a remote location. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could shed light on the case to contact Sergeant Stephen O’Connor at 603-556-3183 or via email at [email protected]. Even the smallest detail could prove critical in resolving the unanswered questions surrounding this tragedy.
The community response to Shader’s death has been one of quiet mourning and reflection. For those who knew him, Shader was more than a name in a news report. He was a veteran who served his country, a professional in the tech industry, and a son whose call on Mother’s Day brought comfort to his family. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the truth while respecting the grief of those who loved him. The New Hampshire State Police have assured the public that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly examined, with the hope of providing closure to Shader’s family and clarity to a community touched by this loss. For now, the Isles of Shoals stand as a silent witness to a life cut short, and a story that is still unfolding.
