'She truly was such a kind human being ... and her ending isn't fair'

Looking north from Stair Falls swimming hole where Doreen Allen, inset, drowned (Rochester Voice photo; inset/courtesy Allen family)

EAST ROCHESTER - The family of a Rochester woman who drowned in the Salmon Falls River a little over a week ago is desperately waiting for answers from State Police Marine Patrol on what led to this horrific tragedy, but so far precious little has been released to the family.
"We just hope that we can get answers," said family member Stephanie Westphal, who confirmed that State Police are still actively investigating the death of 40-year-old Doreen Allen, who was pulled from an East Rochester swimming hole not far from the Stair Falls Drive cul de sac..

Meanwhile, Marine Patrol public information officers remain tight-lipped about what their investigation has turned up thus far despite promising to reply to repeated Rochester Voice queries regarding the circumstances that led to the drowning.
The area where Allen drowned is a lazy part of the Salmon Falls River where children often cool off in the summer, neighborhood residents told The Rochester Voice.
The land where the Stair Falls development meets the river - less than a minute walk from the Stair Falls Drive cul de sac - is owned by the neighborhood's association. It is private land, but the association doesn't strictly enforce trespassers, said one local.
Newly installed Rochester Fire Chief Dennis Dube said Marine Patrol would be in charge of any information released on the incident, but did indicate that the location where Allen drowned was slightly north of where a beaten path from the cul de sac meets the river.
Safety officials urged caution in the wake of the tragedy, but failed to cite any specific hazards.
Allen was pulled from the water by responders shortly after state 911 dispatch received a call around 4 p.m.
She was taken to Frisbie Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
The swimming hole is a short distance from the end of Stair Falls Drive in East Rochester near Keay Field and Crow Hill Drive.
A Go Fund Me page has been put up to help the family with final expenses. Donations can be made by clicking here. So far it has raised $2,500 of its $5,000 goal.
Meanwhile, the family remains grief-stricken over their loss.
"She truly was such a kind human being," said Westphal. "And her ending isn't fair."
Anyone who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact New Hampshire State Police - Marine Patrol Sergeant Joshua Dirth at Joshua.E.Dirth@dos.nh.gov or (603) 227-2115.