A family hike in New Hampshire turned tragic last week when a 10-year-old boy slipped into the Pemigewasset River in the White Mountain National Forest. Authorities say the boy could not escape the fast-moving current, and that multiple family members jumped into the water to try and save him.
One of those family members was his mom, 44-year-old Melissa Bagley. Sadly, she was overcome by the water and drowned, according to a Facebook post from the Everett Police Department in Massachusetts. Melissa’s husband Sean Bagley, a police lieutenant at that department, successfully pulled his 10-year-old son from the water. He later tried to resuscitate his wife after they located her, but it was too late.
Another member of the group, an 18-year-old man, was taken to the hospital after also entering the water, but is expected to recover. The Bagley family, from Lynn, Massachusetts, was visiting the popular Franconia Falls site when the incident occurred.
As a mother myself, I know that there’s nothing a mom wouldn’t do to protect her child. I am so happy her child survived, but my heart breaks that Melissa Bagley lost her life trying to save him. This is a loss that all her children will feel for the rest of their lives, but especially this little boy. I have no doubt that both of his parents are his heroes, and that he regards his mom as his guardian angel. But oh, how he must wish she was here. It is truly a shattering tragedy.
The town of Everett, Massachusetts, where Sean Bagley is employed on the police force, is mourning along with the Bagleys. In a statement on Facebook, Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said, “As a parent, I know that there is nothing that any parent wouldn’t do for their child. Melissa did everything she could to protect her children and her family. Yesterday’s events were unimaginable for Sean and his family. I ask our community to please keep Sean and his family in your thoughts, while also asking that we give them the time and space they need to mourn the death of Melissa.”
He also added a sentiment which I myself heartily echo, “This tragic event is an important reminder to us all to never miss an opportunity to tell those you love how much they mean to you.”
Telling those you love how you feel as often as you can is so, so important. I lost a close friend unexpectedly on July 4, 2022. I had run into her by chance exactly one week before her death, and was absolutely thrilled to see her. I gave her a hug, and told her how happy I was to see her, and that I loved her. I had no idea it would be the last time I saw or spoke to her, and I take it as a true gift from God that I expressed how I felt. I will miss her forever, and carry our last moment together in my heart always.
Melissa Bagley’s last act truly let her family know how much she loved them. Let’s pray for that family as they long for more time with her, and mourn her loss.
