UNION, Maine (TCN) — Investigators suspect a paddleboarder they found deceased was the victim of homicidal violence.
According to Maine State Police, shortly after 1 a.m. on July 3, game wardens responded to Crawford Pond to help the Union Fire Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office locate a missing paddleboarder. During the search, officials discovered a female deceased.
Investigators identified the decedent as 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart. An autopsy ruled her death a homicide, but authorities did not disclose her cause of death.
A friend of the victim told the Midcoast Villager, “She had such a strong personality. She radiated positivity and love. She was like a magnet. People were attracted to her.”
Another friend reportedly added, “She carried this adventurous spirit without fear. She never hesitated when facing a challenge.”
Police asked anyone who saw Stewart to contact them. Stewart allegedly went out paddleboarding by herself at around 6 p.m. on July 2.
In a statement, police said, “As always, members of the public are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. Additional information will be released when it becomes appropriate to do so based on the progress of the investigation.”
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