ALSTEAD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Emergency crews from multiple towns responded Thursday evening after a juvenile reportedly jumped into the Cold River, prompting a large-scale water rescue operation along River Street.

Authorities first received reports around late afternoon that a juvenile had entered the river near the Cold River bridge on River Road in Alstead. A water rescue task force and additional ambulances were requested as the response escalated.

Early in the incident, officials reported that two people were in the water — a police officer and the juvenile. The officer was later able to get out of the river safely, while crews continued searching for the boy.

The Keene swift water rescue team was activated and sent to the scene as additional resources were requested. Rescue crews also prepared a drone and warming trailer through Rescue Inc., though the drone was later canceled as the response evolved.

Officials shut down River Street (Route 123) in the area on both sides of the river while emergency crews worked along the waterway. The search expanded into neighboring Langdon after reports indicated the juvenile may have moved downstream into that area.

Fire crews from Langdon were called to River Street in their town, and a landing zone was requested there for the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) medical helicopter, which responded with an estimated 44-minute arrival time. An additional Cheshire County EMS ambulance was also requested to stand by near the landing zone.

At one point, command reported personnel entering the water in an attempt to reach the victim.

Emergency responders on scene included crews from Alstead, Langdon, Walpole, North Walpole, Cheshire County EMS, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Marine Patrol, and New Hampshire Fish and Game. Members of the Keene Police Department’s water rescue team also responded.

Authorities later reported that the DHART helicopter had left the scene.

Tyler Dumont, Strategic Communications Administrator of Media Relations and Public Information with NH State Police, released a statement on their behalf:

“Our hearts are with everyone in Alstead mourning this tragic loss, as well as with the first responders who were present at the scene,” he wrote. “No further information will be released regarding this incident by the New Hampshire State Police.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by the family: Fundraiser by Shaena Lyon : Support for Josiah’s Funeral & Medical Expenses