The final conversation between Lilice Shader and her son, David Paul Stover Shader, was a tender exchange on Mother’s Day. He called to express his love, as he always did, his voice carrying the warmth of a devoted son. “I love you,” he told her, words that now echo with profound weight for a grieving mother. Just weeks later, on July 13, 2025, the 35-year-old Boston man’s body was found floating in the Atlantic Ocean near the Isles of Shoals, a remote cluster of nine rocky islands six miles off the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine. The discovery has left his family, friends, and the Boston community grappling with sorrow and unanswered questions, as authorities work to piece together the events leading to his tragic death.

David Shader, a Marine Corps veteran who served four years, including a tour in Afghanistan, was identified by the New Hampshire State Police and the state’s Medical Examiner’s Office after a painstaking investigation. His body was first spotted by a fisherman aboard a vessel near the Isles of Shoals at approximately 9:15 a.m. on that fateful Sunday morning. The sighting was promptly reported to the U.S. Coast Guard, which alerted the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol. Officers responded swiftly, navigating the choppy waters to recover the remains of a man they initially could not identify. It was only through the combined efforts of the Marine Patrol, the State Police Major Crime Unit, and the Medical Examiner’s Office that the body was confirmed to be Shader’s.

The circumstances surrounding Shader’s death remain shrouded in mystery. Authorities have stated that his passing is not believed to be suspicious, and there is no known threat to public safety. Yet, the question of how a man last seen in the Boston area ended up in the ocean miles from the mainland lingers. Shader, who worked in information technology at the time of his death, was described by his mother as a “sweet kid” whose loss has left her in a state of shock. “I don’t know what happened,” Lilice Shader said in a recent interview, her voice heavy with grief as she recalled the vibrant life of her son, survived by an older brother and several aunts and uncles.

The Isles of Shoals, a starkly beautiful but isolated archipelago, have long been a place of lore and solitude, known for their rugged terrain and historical significance. The islands, split between New Hampshire and Maine, are accessible only by boat, with limited public access to certain areas like Star Island. The discovery of Shader’s body in these remote waters has added a layer of somber intrigue to the region’s narrative. Investigators are still working to determine how and when Shader entered the water, a task complicated by the vastness of the ocean and the lack of immediate witnesses.

New Hampshire State Police have issued a call for information, urging anyone who may have seen Shader in the days leading up to July 13 or who possesses details relevant to the case to come forward. Sergeant Stephen O’Connor, reachable at 603-556-3183 or via email, is leading the effort to gather clues that could provide closure to Shader’s loved ones. The investigation remains active, with authorities meticulously combing through evidence to understand the sequence of events that led to this tragedy.

As the inquiry continues, the Boston community and Shader’s family prepare to honor his memory. A memorial service is planned in Saratoga, New York, in the coming weeks, where those closest to him will gather to celebrate a life cut short. For Lilice Shader, the pain of loss is compounded by the uncertainty of her son’s final moments. The Isles of Shoals, once a distant backdrop, now stand as a poignant reminder of a mystery yet to be solved, and a son deeply missed.