In loving memory of Jillian Collins : A Life Remembered — Gone Too Soon , Never Forgotten

In loving memory of Jillian Collins : A Life Remembered — Gone Too Soon , Never Forgotten 

CONCORD, N.H. — The Concord community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 37-year-old Jillian Collins, whose life was tragically taken in a shooting near a tent site in Concord on October 31, 2025. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and Concord Police Department have confirmed that her death has been ruled a homicide, sending shockwaves through the city and leaving family, friends, and neighbors devastated by the senseless violence.

According to officials, officers were called to a wooded area near a tent site off Broken Bridge Road late Friday night after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, police discovered Collins suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by first responders to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The area, often frequented by individuals seeking temporary shelter, has since become the center of an intensive homicide investigation.

Authorities have not released details about potential suspects or motives, but investigators have spent the past several days combing through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and canvassing nearby areas for surveillance footage that could provide crucial leads. The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that no arrests have yet been made and that the public should remain vigilant while the investigation continues.

For those who knew Jillian, the news of her death has been devastating. Friends describe her as a kind, resilient, and compassionate woman who, despite life’s hardships, always found a way to bring light and laughter to those around her. She was known for her warm heart, her ability to lift others up, and her determination to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.

“Jillian had such a strong spirit,” one friend shared. “She was the type of person who would give you her last dollar if you needed it. To know she’s gone, and in such a horrible way, breaks all of our hearts.”

In the days since her passing, mourners have placed flowers, candles, and handwritten notes at the site where she lost her life. A small vigil was held over the weekend as members of the community gathered to remember Jillian’s life, share stories, and call for justice. Many attendees expressed not only their sorrow but also their concern about the safety and struggles of Concord’s most vulnerable residents, many of whom live in or near the wooded areas of the city.

City leaders and outreach organizations have echoed those concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for compassion, resources, and safer conditions for those experiencing homelessness. “This tragedy reminds us that every life matters and that no one in our community should feel forgotten or unsafe,” one local advocate said.

The New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit and the Concord Police Department continue to investigate the case, urging anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Concord Crimeline at (603) 226-3100.

As Concord mourns, the focus now shifts toward healing and remembrance. Jillian Collins’ life, though cut tragically short, is being honored by those who knew her best — not for the circumstances of her passing, but for the kindness, strength, and humanity she showed in life.

In the words of one family member, “Jillian wasn’t perfect, but she had a heart bigger than most. She deserved love, safety, and peace — and now we just hope she’s finally found it.”

Her story has touched many across New Hampshire, serving as both a painful reminder of the fragility of life and a call for justice and compassion in the face of tragedy.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Concord Police Department or the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office immediately.