Granite State Times

The body of a missing local man found near the Hampton River Boat Club Oct. 20 has been identified.

Max Sullivan, a freelance reporter from Hampton, announced the news on Twitter. “A body found in the Hampton River this week is believed to be the remains of Andrew Parker, 31, missing since Sept. 21,” he tweeted on Oct. 21.

Seacoastonline notes that Parker left his home on Sept. 21 without his wallet, keys, cell phone or headphones -- and he was known for always listening to music. Parker was well-known in Hampton as a long-time employee of Dunkin' Donuts.

New Hampshire Department of Safety spokesman Paul Raymond, Jr., said that an autopsy confirmed the identity of the body, and Parker's immediate family was able to initially identify him by his shoes and socks, according to Seacoastonline.

A Facebook group has been started in his honor called "Remembering Andrew Parker." Member Brittany LaRoche said that a GoFundMe account to cover funeral expenses had already reached its goal.

“Good job getting donations for Andrew Parker...” she wrote on Oct. 25. “You guys are going to make his mom have less stress trying to pay for his cremation and funeral costs. The GoFundMe goal was to raise $3,000 for Parker."

Jared Auger, a friend of Parker's, stated on the page that he found it difficult “to ask for more, considering the unending generosity offered to us by such a wonderful town.”  

“We will be capping the fundraising efforts at $3,000, with anything that may be left over going to a charitable organization affiliated with suicide prevention in the Rockingham County area,” Auger wrote. “Many of you know Andrew from his frequent walks up Lafayette Street jamming out to his eclectic taste in music on his giant headphones.  He was a sweet, kind soul, with an absolute heart of gold that would help anybody he could! He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and the entire community."

According to Hampton Police Deputy Chief Alex Reno, the missing person portion of the case is closed, but the cause of death has not yet been officially determined.