ALARMING details have emerged about the final days of the four family members who were found dead in their New Hampshire home on Monday.
Just two days before her tragic death, Emily Long expressed that she was “struggling so much”. She, her husband, and their two young kids tragically died in what authorities are describing as a murder-suicide.
Ryan Long, aged 48, along with Emily Long, aged 34, their son Parker, who was 8, and their daughter Ryan, who was 6, were discovered shot to death inside their home in Madbury, New Hampshire, on Monday.
A surviving toddler was left behind at the scene with no injuries. He is now safe with family members.
Although the police have yet to disclose a motive for this heart-wrenching incident, Emily’s social media activity provides a glimpse into the family’s emotional state in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Emily was an active presence on social media platforms, such as Facebook, frequently sharing joyful photos of her family, capturing moments like Easter Sunday and picking pumpkins before Halloween.
However, on TikTok, Emily was open in speaking about her husband’s brain cancer diagnosis to more than 6,400 followers.
In the bio of her now-private account, Emily referred to herself as a “NH Mom of 3 – Brain Cancer Wife,” adding, “My digital diary – it’s cheaper than therapy.”
Authorities have not detailed the father’s condition, but Emily had shared online that her husband, Ryan, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in April.
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. The survival rate is extremely low.
MOM’S VOW
Since dad Ryan had his craniotomy in the Spring, Emily regularly posted about her struggles in dealing with her husband’s terminal diagnosis as she grappled with the possibility of his death.
She posted videos where she spoke about telling her children about their father’s diagnosis, as well as updates on his treatment plan and doctor appointments.
On Saturday, Emily posted that she wanted to make a change to her habits because she had been struggling with depression.
“OKAY! I’m making strides to get better,” she captioned the video.
“All I want to do is hide under a blanket with my kids, but that isn’t healthy for them and it’s not healthy for me.”
She continued, “Today I decided I need to make a conscious effort to shift my mindset. I’m getting out of this depression whether I want to or not.”
Emily said that her children were having a hard time with their dad’s illness as he grew weaker, tired, and more irritable.
“I am determined to create normalcy,” Emily vowed in the clip, adding that she planned to take her kids to visit their neighbors on Moharimet Drive that night.
SMALL TOWN SHAKEN
Madbury is a small town in southeastern New Hampshire with under 2,000 residents, located about an hour and a half north of Boston.
The Longs’ home is just five miles north of the University of New Hampshire in Durham, where both Emily Long and Ryan Long attended undergraduate school.
Moharimet Drive, the street where the Longs have lived since 2020, is known for being residential and friendly, as families often gather outside and children meet up to play together in the cul-de-sac.
Residents in the area were rattled by the news of the deadly shooting.
Neighbor Beverly Ketel, who is watching the family’s two dogs after the tragedy, told CBS affiliate WBZ-TV that she was shocked by the news of the tragedy.
“It was a perfect family as far as we knew,” Ketel told the outlet.
“It’s just shocking. We didn’t see it coming.”
School district’s statement
The school district where Ryan Long worked as a psychologist released the following statement to The U.S. Sun on Wednesday:
The Oyster River Cooperative School District community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of four community members. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.
We have partnered with local school districts and organizations to provide mental health support for our students and their families, and our staff.
As we prepare for the coming school year, our commitment remains to the well-being of our students, staff, and their families. Out of respect for everyone involved, we will not be making further comments.
Source: ORCSD
Emily worked as a director of operations for a restaurant in the area, according to her LinkedIn.
Ryan Long worked as a school psychologist in the Oyster River School District.
“The Oyster River Cooperative School District community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of four community members,” Superintendent Robert Shaps said in a statement to The U.S. Sun.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.”
HORRIFYING SCENE
State troopers responded to the home at around 8:21 pm on Monday after two callers contacted 911 to report the Longs dead in their home, police said.
The four family members were found dead at the scene. It’s unclear who called the cops.
At this time, it’s unclear who carried out the shooting.
Autopsies on the four family members were set to be conducted on Wednesday, officials said.
