Maine Man Drowns in Ossipee Lake on Saturday

The following is from the Conway Daily Sun.

Freedom—August 10, 2026—A 45-year-old Maine man died early Saturday in an apparent drowning in Ossipee Lake, according to New Hampshire State Police.

Dispatchers received a report at about 2:55 a.m. on Aug. 8 that a man had entered the water to swim, went under and did not resurface. The incident occurred in the channel off West Bay Road, in the area of Chick Road in Freedom, prompting activation of the Ossipee Lake Water Rescue Response Procedure. The channel is just north of Leavitt Bay. The area is surrounded by private property.

First responders began searching the area, and members of the Center Ossipee Dive Rescue Team called to the scene. According to fire officials, the dive team was moved from a staging area to the search location at about 3:36 a.m. Rescue swimmers entered the water at approximately 3:42 a.m.

The victim, identified as Shawn Meader, 45, of Waterville, Maine, was located a few minutes later, at 3:46 a.m., in roughly 8 feet of water.

He was brought to shore, where emergency medical personnel immediately began resuscitation efforts. Despite those efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Center Ossipee Fire Chief Dana Cullen told the Sun there is some current in the channel.

Officials said the death is not considered suspicious, although the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

“I’ve known Shawn since I was 15. I’m 47 now,” said friend Jessica Ann Pepin to the Sun on Facebook. “He was like a little brother to me. He called me his big sis. Always very protective of those he loved. He was a very hard worker and lived life to the fullest. I was very blessed to have him in my life. I just saw him Thursday.”

Pepin said he grew up in Albion and went to Lawrence High School in Fairfield, Maine. An adult, he did drywall for a living. He never married but was engaged. She said Meader lived in Troy, Maine, a town about 50 miles north of Augusta.

Marine Patrol officers and state troopers assigned to Troop E were assisted by the Freedom Police and Fire departments, the Center Ossipee Dive Rescue Team, Effingham Fire Department, West Ossipee Fire Department, Sandwich Fire Department, the Ossipee and Freedom police departments, Carroll County Dispatch, and Action Ambulance.

“This is such a tragedy to his family and to all his friends,” said Pepin. “It’s shock and disbelief that he’s gone. Shawn was one of a kind … this hurts and it’s hard to believe he is gone at such a young age.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau at (603) 223-8620 or by email at christopher.j.prenaveau@dos.nh.gov.