Ian Blake, 17, of Nashua, drowned at Lake Winnipesaukee on the afternoon of June 20, 2025. Buffy Ann Doyle, 50, of Nashua, has been charged with his death. Courtesy photo

GILFORD – Buffy Ann Doyle, 50, of Nashua, was recently indicted in connection with the death of 17-year-old Ian Blake at Lake Winnipesaukee last summer.

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

According to the State Police Marine Patrol Unit, Blake and a group of friends travelled to the Lakes Region on June 20, 2025 — just one week after his graduation from Nashua High School North.

The incident occurred just north of Diamond and Rattlesnake islands in an area known as the Broads. Located in the central part of the lake, the Broads reaches a depth of approximately 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 created choppy conditions and made it difficult for Blake to swim. He ultimately became exhausted and slipped beneath the surface.

Blake’s body was recovered later that evening.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol suppresses the gag reflex, thus causing a person to breathe in water. It also “increases risk-taking behavior, impairs balance, coordination and judgement.” Intoxicated swimmers can easily become disoriented and miscalculate swimming distances.

According to his obituary, Blake played little league baseball when he was younger and won the Nashua City Championship in 2020. In high school, he played football, baseball and track-discus throw. In addition to sports, Blake was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America.

Following a 10-month investigation, police determined that Doyle provided Blake with alcohol and allowed him to go out on the lake knowing he was intoxicated.

Doyle has been charged with felony negligent homicide, two counts of witness tampering and falsifying physical evidence.

She waived her arraignment which was scheduled for May 19 and has pleaded not guilty. Doyle was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Belknap County Superior Court on June 26.

Under state law, if convicted, Doyle could face up to 36 years in prison, up to 20 years of probation and up to $16,000 in fines.