A Methuen man has been identified as the victim in a drowning that occurred in Salisbury
Wednesday, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Chief Thomas Fowler
announced.
Witnesses said Gary Simard, 44, of Methuen, had been enjoying the day with family at Salisbury
Beach when one of the children with them, was then pulled from the shoreline and was unable to
swim in. Simard, along with two bystanders then went into the water to retrieve the child. The two
bystanders were able to rescue the child and return to shore, however, they were unable to locate Mr.
Simard.
The Salisbury Police Department and Fire Department responded to the area of 266 North End Blvd.
Upon arrival, they were able to locate Mr. Simard in the ocean and immediately began life saving
measures on the beach. EMS arrived and transported the victim to Seabrook Emergency Room where
he was pronounced deceased.
