Full Breakdown
Tragic Murder-Suicide in Madbury, New Hampshire: A Family's Final Days
8/21/2025, 9:07:45 PM
Overview of the Incident
On August 18, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Madbury, New Hampshire, where Emily Long, 34, is believed to have shot her husband, Ryan Long, 48, and their two children, Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6, before taking her own life. The family was discovered in their home on Moharimet Drive after a 911 call was made around 8:20 PM. A third child, a toddler, was found unharmed and has since been placed with relatives.
Autopsy Findings
Autopsies conducted by the New Hampshire Medical Examiner revealed that Emily Long died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, while Ryan Long and their two children died from gunshot wounds, with the children suffering single shots to the head and Ryan Long sustaining multiple wounds. The Attorney General's office has classified the children's deaths as homicides and Emily's as a suicide.
Background Context
In the months leading up to the incident, Emily Long had been openly documenting her husband’s battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, on social media. Her TikTok account featured numerous videos where she expressed her struggles with mental health and the emotional toll of Ryan's illness on their family. In her final video, posted just two days before the tragedy, she discussed her determination to improve her mental health for the sake of her children.
Community Reaction
The incident has left the small town of Madbury, with a population of around 2,000, in shock. Neighbors described the Long family as friendly and integrated into the community, with one neighbor recalling recent interactions involving the children selling lemonade. The Oyster River Cooperative School District, where Ryan worked as a school psychologist, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “Our commitment remains to the well-being of our students, staff, and their families.”
Official Statements
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella emphasized the complexity of the situation, urging the public to refrain from speculating about the motivations behind the tragedy. He stated, “While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid assuming that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the community's shock, some have raised concerns about the lack of visible warning signs leading up to the tragedy. The Attorney General's office has acknowledged that understanding the sequence of events and the underlying issues is crucial for investigators, who are still seeking answers regarding the motive behind the killings.
What's Next
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing the family's background, including financial and mental health histories, to uncover any potential factors that may have contributed to this devastating event. The surviving toddler is currently in the care of family members, and local mental health resources are being mobilized to support the community during this difficult time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our kids are definitely struggling, and now I’m starting to notice some changes in our 3-year-old.” — Emily Long, in a TikTok video.
- “The Oyster River Cooperative School District community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of four community members.” — Superintendent Robert Shaps.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles many families face and the importance of mental health awareness and support systems in communities.
