A New Hampshire Tragedy: The Unraveling of a Family
The quiet town of Madbury, New Hampshire, was shattered on Monday, August 18, 2025, by the unimaginable discovery of four lifeless bodies within a single home. The victims were identified as Ryan Long (48), his wife Emily Long (34), and their two children, 8-year-old Parker and 6-year-old Ryan. A younger sibling, however, was found unharmed and is now under the care of relatives. The event left the community reeling and grappling with the devastating loss.
A Family’s Final Hours: The Autopsy Report
A Grim Discovery
Autopsies conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed a harrowing sequence of events. Both children perished from single gunshot wounds to the head, classified as homicides. Ryan Long suffered multiple gunshot wounds, also indicating homicide. Emily Long’s death was ruled a suicide, caused by a single gunshot wound to the head. The findings suggest Emily Long used a handgun from the home to end the lives of her husband and children before taking her own life in the early morning hours of August 18th.
Unraveling the Motive: A Complex Puzzle
Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati described the task of determining the motive as “very, very tricky.” The investigation is actively exploring multiple potential contributing factors, emphasizing the complexity of such cases and cautioning against simplistic explanations. Financial strain and the immense pressure stemming from Ryan Long’s terminal illness are being considered among several possible contributing factors.
The Long Family: Lives Cut Short
Ryan Long: A Dedicated Educator
Ryan Long, a devoted school psychologist, had dedicated his career to supporting students. His professional journey encompassed roles at Shaker Regional School District, Moharimet Elementary School in Madbury, and most recently, Oyster River Middle School in Durham.
Emily Long: A Driven Professional and Caring Mother
Emily Long, the director of operations at Wing-itz, a popular Seacoast restaurant chain, demonstrated both professional success and unwavering devotion to her family. She held a degree in hospitality management from the University of New Hampshire and had worked at Wing-itz for several years.
A Family’s Struggle: Social Media Insights
In the months leading up to the tragedy, Emily Long used social media platforms to document the family’s struggles. Her candid posts on TikTok revealed her battle with depression exacerbated by the immense stress of caring for her terminally ill husband, Ryan, who had been diagnosed with glioblastoma. Her posts detailed the overwhelming challenges she faced, her feelings of isolation and the emotional toll of witnessing her husband’s decline. Despite the immense pressure, Emily expressed her determination to overcome her depression for the sake of her children, striving to create a sense of normalcy for them amidst the turmoil. Although these posts have since been removed, they paint a poignant picture of a mother battling a mental health crisis while caring for a family facing immense hardship.
The Ripple Effect: A Community in Mourning
Schools and Community Respond
The tragedy deeply impacted the Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD), which serves Madbury, Durham, and Lee. The district is working diligently with local organizations to provide mental health resources for grieving students, staff, and families. Crisis meetings were held, and support services are being implemented in anticipation of the return of students and teachers.
Neighbors Remember: A Life of Lemonade and Laughter
Neighbors remember the Long family fondly, recalling the children’s recent lemonade stand and their playful interactions with friends in the neighborhood. The children’s love for their toy delivery truck and the family’s pet dogs serve as poignant reminders of their joyous presence in the community. The dogs have been placed in the care of neighbors until more permanent arrangements are made.
A Candlelit Vigil: A Community’s Healing
Madbury town officials announced plans for a candlelight vigil to unite the community and offer collective support during this profoundly difficult time. The town extends its condolences and support to the Long and Hobson families, friends, neighbors and colleagues affected by the tragedy.
A Call for Support
The devastating loss of the Long family underscores the importance of mental health awareness and access to support. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You are not alone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text “help” to 741-741
Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
Please note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
