Police Officer Injured During Search For Canoeist Has Died

A Fryeburg Police Officer who was hospitalized after getting hurt while searching for a missing canoeist has died from his injuries.

20-year-old Nathan Desjardins was in a boat with Officer Dale Stout on May 27th when it capsized during a rescue operation on the Saco River. They were both ejected from the boat when it struck something as they were turning a corner. Desjardins was hospitalized for head injuries after the accident that happened on his first day of training. He passed away on Tuesday.

The two officers were part of a rescue effort after 38-year-old Jennifer Bousquet of South Berwick disappeared when her canoe capsized. Her body was located sometime later.

WCSH-TV reports Fryeburg Police Chief Joshua Potvin offered his condolences in a media release. "On behalf of your fellow brothers and sisters at Fryeburg Police; rest in peace buddy, we'll take it from here."