PICTURED: Massachusetts esthetician, Melissa Bagley, 44, who drowned while trying to save 10-year-old son from raging WATERFALL during trip to New Hampshire beauty spot
PICTURED: Massachusetts beautician, 44, who drowned trying to save her 10-year-old after he slipped in a waterfall
- Mother of four was hiking with family near remote Franconia Falls
- Child was rescued by Melissa’s police lieutenant husband
Police have identified a mother of four who died trying to save the life of her 10-year-old son when he fell into a fast-moving current at a New Hampshire beauty spot.
Melissa Bagley, 44, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was hiking with her family in the White Mountain area on Tuesday when the child lost his balance at Franconia Falls.
“He couldn’t get out of the pool because it was a fast, circulating current,” said Sergeant Heidi Murphy of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
“The mother jumped into the river to help her child and immediately got into trouble.”
The boy’s 18-year-old brother jumped in to help his mother and sibling, but got stuck between boulders when Melissa disappeared underwater.
Mother of four Melissa Bagley in a photo released by police of her husband
The family was hiking in the White Mountains area, about three miles from the nearest road
Disaster struck when Melissa’s 10-year-old son lost his footing and fell into the fast-flowing Pemigewasset River near Franconia Falls.
Two other children came to the boys’ aid while their father searched for Melissa.
Lieutenant Sean Bagley, who works for the Everett Police Department, eventually found his wife on a rock where he attempted CPR, but was unable to save her.
According to Melissa’s Facebook page, the couple just got married in January.
Melissa, who owned the Euphoria Esthetics spa in Swampscott, arrived at the Lincoln Woods trailhead with her family and a friend around 1 p.m., according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
They planned to swim at the falls, which are a frequent destination for hikers.
The father helped bring his eldest son to safety and then waited with the mother for relief workers to arrive at their destination more than three miles into the forest.
New Hampshire State Police said the 18-year-old son suffered injuries and was taken to Littleton Hospital in Littleton, New Hampshire, while his mother was pronounced dead at the scene.
They said the death was under investigation, but alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor.
In a post on the city’s Facebook page, Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said, “As a parent, I know there’s nothing a parent wouldn’t do for their child.”
“Melissa did everything she could to protect her children and her family,” he added.
Melissa (right) did ‘everything she could to protect her children and her family’
The family’s stunning $1 million home in Lynn, New Hampshire
“Yesterday’s events were unimaginable to Sean and his family.
“I am asking our community to keep Sean and his family in our thoughts while also giving them the time and space they need to grieve over Melissa’s death.
“This tragic event is an important reminder for all of us to never miss an opportunity to tell those you love how much they mean to you.”
In a statement, the Everett Police Department said: “While we appreciate everyone who has reached out, we ask that Lieutenant Bagley and his family be given the time and space to mourn Melissa’s death. Thank you.’