A serene-looking family photo on Emily Long’s Facebook page offered no hint of the unimaginable tragedy that would later unfold in their home. Authorities are investigating what they believe to be a murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of Emily Long, her husband Ryan Long, their 8-year-old son Parker Long, and their 6-year-old daughter, Ryan Long. Miraculously, a third child, a toddler whose name has not been released by the Attorney General’s Office, was found alive and unharmed.
The community remains in shock as details emerge. Autopsies for the family are scheduled to take place throughout Wednesday at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Concord. Police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, but the incident has deeply impacted both local residents and colleagues of the Long family.
Ryan Long, 48, had dedicated much of his career to supporting children’s mental health. He served as a school psychologist for the Oyster River Cooperative School District for the past nine years and also worked as a part-time adjunct instructor in Plymouth State University Graduate Programs since 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was a licensed school psychologist and a board-certified behavioral analyst, reflecting his commitment to education and child development.
Officials at the Oyster River School District confirmed that police had notified them of the incident Monday night but referred inquiries to the School Administrative Unit superintendent, who did not immediately respond to calls. Ryan Long’s colleagues and students described him as professional and dedicated, and his sudden death has sent ripples of grief through the district.
Emily Long, 34, was pursuing new career opportunities, as noted on her LinkedIn profile. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire’s hospitality management program and a former student of Oyster River High School, Emily was remembered by friends and family for her vibrant personality, warmth, and ambition. Her social media presence reflected the joys of family life, making the suddenness of her death even more jarring.
Neighbors and community members are struggling to understand how such a tragedy could occur. Authorities have emphasized that the surviving toddler is now in the care of appropriate services, and they continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the deaths. Mental health experts note that murder-suicides often occur in families under extreme stress or crisis, highlighting the importance of community support and access to mental health resources.
As the investigation continues and autopsies are performed, the Long family’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change and how crucial it is to recognize signs of emotional distress within families. The community continues to offer prayers and support for the surviving child and all those affected by this devastating loss.