A seemingly joyful family photo on Emily Long’s Facebook page gave no sign of the devastating tragedy that would later unfold inside their New Hampshire home. Authorities are investigating what they believe to be a murder-suicide that claimed the lives of Emily Long, her husband Ryan Long, their 8-year-old son Parker, and their 6-year-old daughter. In a heartbreaking twist, a third child—a toddler whose name has not been released—was found alive and unharmed.
The shocking news has left the community in disbelief. Autopsies are scheduled to take place Wednesday at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Concord, while investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Ryan Long, 48, had devoted much of his career to children’s mental health. He worked as a school psychologist with the Oyster River Cooperative School District for nearly a decade and, since 2022, also served as an adjunct instructor in Plymouth State University’s Graduate Programs. Licensed as both a school psychologist and a board-certified behavioral analyst, Ryan was regarded as deeply committed to education and child development. Colleagues and students described him as professional, dedicated, and caring—a loss now felt profoundly across the district.
Emily Long, 34, was remembered for her warmth, ambition, and love for family. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire’s hospitality management program and an alumna of Oyster River High School, she was pursuing new career opportunities while cherishing her role as a mother. Friends and family recall her vibrant personality and the joy she shared on social media, making the tragedy all the more difficult to comprehend.
Neighbors and community members are struggling to process the enormity of the loss. Officials confirmed that the surviving toddler is now in protective care. While the investigation continues, mental health experts stress the importance of community awareness and support, noting that murder-suicides often occur under extreme stress or crisis.
As the community grieves, the Long family’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility and the need to recognize signs of emotional struggle within families. Prayers, condolences, and support continue to pour in for the surviving child and all those devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.