INVESTIGATORS have announced a stunning development in the strangling death of a 48-year-old paddleboarder.
Authorities are uncovering the unsettling details surrounding the death of Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, whose body was discovered on an island a day after she ventured onto a pond in Maine.
On July 2, Stewart, who lives in Maine, went to Crawford Pond in Union, about 45 minutes east of Augusta, to paddleboard.
She was reported missing by a friend hours later when she didn’t return from her trip.
The following morning, first responders found her body on an island that sits in the middle of the water and can only be accessed by boat.
On July 5, the Main State Police Major Crimes Unit deemed her death a homicide, despite officials initially saying she drowned.
Now, investigators have cuffed a suspect and announced that he is a 17-year-old boy.
There is limited information about the suspected perpetrator. However, an official familiar with the investigation mentioned that he enjoys vacationing in the region each summer with his family, according to a report by ABC News.
The authorities are withholding his name due to his status as a minor. He has been detained at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, as stated by state police.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta also confirmed Thursday that Stewart died from blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Rachael Blumenberg, a friend of Stewart who was staying with her when she went missing, said she was relieved and heartbroken to hear the news.
“I am floored with elation and grief,” she told ABC affiliate WMTW.
FRIENDS HEARTBROKEN
Stewart, who lived in Tenants Harbor, about 30 minutes south of the pond, was a former marine biologist and skilled paddleboarder.
Blumenberg said that she was preparing to host a family at a campground for the Fourth of July weekend when she disappeared.
The heartbroken friend said that she knew something was wrong when she got to Stewart’s home the night of July 2 and saw the lights were off.
“The house was completely dark, and her dog was there,” she told WMTW.
“She’s very devoted to her dog.”
Stewart’s sister Kim Ware lovingly referred to her as “Captain Sunny” and said that she had worked as a lobsterman, contractor, and boat captain throughout her adventurous life.
“Captain Sunny was an amazing person,” Ware said, describing Stewart as someone who “would give you the shirt off her back.”
“The strongest person I know.”
Ware said that her sister was always helping people when she wasn’t hiking, boating, paddle boarding, or doing yoga.
“Anyone blessed to be in her presence was in awe of her, her strength, courage, character, her energy and light,” she said.
“To know Sunny is an amazing blessing. My sister and my best friend.
“The aunt that stepped up to help me raise her nephews. She has so many that call her family. Truly an amazing woman. Now we have to rally and give her justice.”
A different friend, Sarah Vokey, said that Stewart was always positive despite not having an easy life.
“One of the many reasons I admired, loved, and appreciated her.
“One of the hardest things I have ever written was the text I sent to my son, ‘Sunshine was murdered.'”
