Ian Blake, 17, of Nashua, drowned at Lake Winnipesaukee on the afternoon of June 20. Courtesy photo

GILFORD – Just one week after graduating from Nashua High School North, Ian Blake, 17, drowned in the choppy waters of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Although Blake’s name was not released by State Police, Nashua North Principal Nathan Burns identified Blake in an email to parents.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Ian Blake, a member of our Class of 2025, was the young man tragically lost in the recent accident on Lake Winnipesaukee,” he said. “Ian was a kind and thoughtful student who made a lasting impact on our school community. Most recently, he served as one of the voices of our morning and E-block announcements, bringing energy and warmth to the day at North. Ian’s bright smile and genuine personality touched many lives, and his presence will be deeply missed by classmates, staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

According to the State Police Marine Patrol Unit, the incident occurred at 12:48 p.m. on June 20 in an area called the Broads, just north of Diamond and Rattlesnake islands.

Located in the central part of the lake, the Broads reaches a depth of nearly 200 feet.

When police arrived on the scene, they found Blake’s boat with three women on board. They told officers that he had jumped in the lake to retrieve a bag. Strong winds racing across the water made for rough conditions and made it difficult for Blake to swim causing him to grow tired and slip beneath the surface.

The Marine Patrol was assisted by the Gilford and Alton fire departments as well as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Unit. Blake’s body was recovered that evening at 7:02 p.m.

Blake’s close friend, Kyle Chhim, created a GoFundMe page, Honoring Ian: Aid for the Blake Family.

“Ian Blake, not only my best friend but someone to call a brother, was the one of the best things to happen to me,” said Chhim. “Ian never failed to smile and always had a positive attitude no matter the situation. He excelled as a student, track athlete, a recent graduate with dreams of becoming a real estate agent alongside me. I wish I could take time back for you.”

In a Facebook post, one of Blake’s former teachers, Walter Freeman, said Blake’s death is incomprehensible.

“It is impossible to comprehend Ian’s positivity and boundless energy stilled so soon and so tragically. Ian filled the room when he entered. I used to tell him he looked and acted like Dani Rojas from Ted Lasso,” said Freeman. “It was a genuine privilege to know and teach him. The loss his family and friends must feel, or anyone that knew him, for that matter, is unfathomable. We just finished entering his grades a short time ago and wondered where his journey would take him. His legacy now is the memory and love of him people will carry with them in their hearts. Rest in peace, Ian. Know you are loved and missed.”