BOSTON, MA / NEW HAMPSHIRE COAST – August 4, 2025 — A tragic discovery off the coast of New Hampshire has prompted a multi-agency investigation and left family and friends grieving the loss of David Paul Stover Shader, a 35-year-old resident of Boston, Massachusetts. His body was recovered from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean near the Isles of Shoals on Saturday, July 13, and has since been formally identified by authorities.
According to a report released over the weekend by the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, boat officers were dispatched to the area near the Isles of Shoals after receiving a call regarding a body seen floating in the water. Upon arrival, officers located and retrieved Shader’s body from the ocean. The Isles of Shoals are a cluster of nine small, rocky islands approximately six miles off the coastlines of New Hampshire and southern Maine, often visited by tourists and maritime vessels but known for their remote and rugged nature.
Ongoing Death Investigation
Following the recovery, the New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identity of the deceased as David Paul Stover Shader. Authorities have stated that at this time, his death is not considered suspicious, though an official cause has not yet been publicly released.
Shader was reportedly last seen in the Boston area, but how he ended up in the water and what transpired between his last known location and the Isles of Shoals remains a mystery. Investigators are actively seeking information to piece together the timeline leading up to Shader’s untimely death. The New Hampshire State Police are leading the investigation and have asked anyone with potential knowledge of Shader’s whereabouts or activities in the days before his death to contact Sergeant Stephen O’Connor at 603-556-3183.
A Life Remembered
David Paul Stover Shader was known to many in Boston for his warm, easygoing nature and a sharp wit that made him an engaging presence among family, friends, and colleagues. Originally from the greater Boston area, Shader was a graduate of local schools and had spent much of his adult life working in the hospitality and creative industries, where his friendly demeanor and work ethic earned him both respect and camaraderie.
Friends say David had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, music, and time spent by the ocean. Whether he was walking along the Boston Harbor, attending a local show, or grabbing coffee with a friend, he carried with him a quiet strength and a thoughtful spirit. His sudden passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him.
“He was the kind of person who listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, it was with purpose, insight, and often a little humor,” said a longtime friend. “This loss is one that stretches far beyond the city. David was deeply loved.”
Community Response
As word of his death spread, tributes poured in from across Massachusetts and beyond. Former coworkers, neighbors, and classmates have shared memories online, describing Shader as gentle, honest, and endlessly considerate. Plans for a memorial service in Boston are currently underway, with family expected to share details in the coming days.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in David’s memory to local organizations focused on mental health advocacy or marine safety awareness—two causes close to his heart.
Seeking Closure
While foul play is not suspected, the Shader family and investigators are still seeking clarity. The unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of David’s final moments weigh heavily on those who knew him, and the family continues to ask the public for help in understanding what led to this heartbreaking outcome.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact Sergeant Stephen O’Connor of the New Hampshire State Police at 603-556-3183.
As the investigation continues, one truth remains certain: David Paul Stover Shader’s memory will live on through the lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be remembered not only for the way he died, but for the way he lived—with quiet grace, a generous heart, and a soul as deep as the sea that claimed him.
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