The serene waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, a shimmering gem nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, became the backdrop for a heartbreaking incident on a quiet Monday evening. Under the fading light of August 11, 2025, a call pierced the calm at 8:19 p.m., alerting the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol to a missing swimmer near Long Island in Moultonborough. The missing man was Forrest Wells, a 76-year-old from Virginia, whose story would soon end in sorrow.
As the moon cast its silver glow over the lake’s gentle ripples, a multi-agency search sprang into action. The Moultonborough Fire Rescue, Moultonborough Police Department, Tuftonboro Police Department, New Hampshire Fish and Game, and State Police troopers united in a tireless effort, combing the dark waters and rugged shoreline through the night. Their mission was urgent yet grim, driven by the hope of finding Wells alive. Hours ticked by, each moment heavy with anticipation, until the first light of dawn revealed a somber truth.
At 7:23 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, searchers found a body near the shoreline, believed to be that of Forrest Wells. The discovery marked the end of a desperate search and the beginning of a community’s quiet mourning. Authorities have stated that the death appears to be an accidental drowning, with no signs of foul play. The investigation, though ongoing, points to a tragic mishap in the waters that have long drawn visitors to their tranquil embrace.
Lake Winnipesaukee, with its sprawling beauty and storied history, is a place of joy for many—a haven for swimmers, boaters, and dreamers. Yet, in this moment, it became a place of loss for Forrest Wells, a man whose life was claimed by its depths. The New Hampshire State Police continue to seek answers, inviting anyone with information to contact Marine Patrol Officer Julia Annunziato at [email protected] or 603-369-0942. As the investigation unfolds, the lake holds its secrets, whispering a reminder of both its allure and its unpredictability.