State Police: Man dies after canoe tips at Lake Tarleton

PIERMONT — An investigation is underway after a 58-year-old Bedford, N.H., man died after the boat he was in capsized on Lake Tarleton on Friday morning, according to a news release from the Marine Patrol unit of the New Hampshire State Police.

Michael A. Johnson was fishing with another man when their canoe capsized, sending them into the water. While attempting to remain afloat and recover their gear, one of the men, who was not identified in the news release, noticed Johnson was face down in the water.

The other fisherman sought assistance from nearby witnesses. They attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful.

Both men had personal floatation devices in the canoe, although they were not wearing them at the time of the incident.

State Troopers with Troop F, as well as members of the Piermont Police Department, Upper Valley Ambulance, Warren-Wentworth (N.H.) Ambulance Service and the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, assisted Marine Patrol at the scene, which they responded to at about 9:30 a.m.

Those with information about the incident are encouraged to contact Marine Patrol Sgt. Seth Alie at 603-227-2117 or Seth.P.Alie@DOS.NH.GOV.