Search for missing UNH student suspended

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (WHDH) -- Dangerous currents caused rescue teams to call off the search for missing UNH student, Lizzi Marriott, on Peirce Island Sunday.

Locals said the currents are some of the strongest in the northeast.

“The current in the Piscataqua River is very strong. It’s probably the third strongest, I think, in the United States because of the tidal river,” said Sirus Clark, who is familiar with the waters.

“We live right across the back channel over here and 14 feet, you come out and the docks are on the mud and then a couple hours later at the peak of the tide there’s 14 feet. That’s a whole truck, you know. It’s a volume of water going in and out, it’s crazy,” said Matthew Teece, a local resident.

Investigators haven't said what led them to Peirce Island. It has been closed since the search began Friday night.

New Hampshire’s attorney general said they believe Marriott is dead. They have since arrested a 29-year-old Dover man and charged him with second degree murder.

Seth Mazzaglia is due in court Monday. More details are expected to emerge on the on the alleged crime and the exact nature of any relationship he may have had with Marriott.

A source tells 7News the two knew each other through mutual friends. But the attorney general’s office won't elaborate.

“It’s a small town. There’s only like 24,000 people here. It’s a really tight knit community and it has a big impact. It’s not just helicopters and rescue people. It impacts the community. She’s local,” said Teece.

There are no plans for a memorial or funeral until her body is found.

The search For Lizzi Marriott was expected to resume Monday.