Leah Anderson Death, Obituary: 21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Being Found Shot in Thornton Home; Investigation Ongoing

THORNTON, N.H. — A 21-year-old woman has died after being found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head inside a Thornton residence Monday morning, according to investigators.

Authorities say emergency crews were called to a home on Mad River Road shortly before 9 a.m. after receiving a report of a person injured inside the residence. When officers arrived, they located 21-year-old Leah Anderson suffering from a severe gunshot wound to the head.

Anderson was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but she later succumbed to her injuries, officials confirmed.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation. Officials have not released information about what may have led up to the incident or whether any suspects have been identified.

Residents in the quiet neighborhood said the incident came as a shock, noting that nothing unusual was heard or seen prior to police activity in the area. Several neighbors reported only becoming aware of a problem when law enforcement and emergency vehicles began arriving at the scene.

One neighbor described the household as peaceful and said the people living there were well-known in the area.

“I’ve dealt with them before,” neighbor Karl Bewersdorf said. “They’re very nice people, a nice family and interesting. I hope everyone’s OK at the end of the day.”

Authorities also confirmed that Anderson was a student at Plymouth State University, where she was majoring in elementary education and youth development. The university has not yet released a public statement regarding her death.

Officials with the Attorney General’s Office said that all individuals connected to the incident have been identified, and at this time there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, investigators continue to gather evidence, review the scene, and interview witnesses as they work to determine exactly what occurred inside the home.

Law enforcement has not released additional details, and the case remains under active investigation. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their review.