A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after the tragic death of Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, a 48-year-old woman who was killed while paddleboarding in Maine. Police took the teen into custody without any problems and are now investigating the case.
Who Was Sunny Stewart?
Sunny Stewart was known in her community as a kind and adventurous woman. She lived in Tenants Harbor, Maine, and loved spending time outdoors. She worked as a marine biologist and also captained boats. Friends described her as someone who was independent and always ready to help others.
On July 2, Sunny went paddleboarding alone on Crawford Pond, near where she was camping at Mic Mac Family Campground. When she didn’t return, people became worried and started searching for her.
What Happened?
Sunny’s body was found the next day on a small island in the pond. The medical examiner said she died from strangulation and blunt force injuries. This showed that she was the victim of a crime, not an accident.
The Arrest
Police worked hard to find who was responsible and arrested a 17-year-old boy who lives nearby. His name has not been shared because he is a minor. The police said the arrest came after careful investigation. They are still looking into the details and have asked anyone who was near the pond on the evening of July 2 to share information.
Community Reaction
The news shocked many people in the town. Some neighbors said they were relieved that someone was caught, but also saddened that such a crime could happen in their quiet community. Friends and family remember Sunny as a warm and helpful person who loved nature and living life fully.
A GoFundMe page was created to help her family with funeral costs and support, and it has raised thousands of dollars from people who want to honor her memory.
What’s Next?
Authorities are still gathering evidence and reviewing what happened. The teen’s case will be handled in the court system, where a judge will decide if he will be tried as a juvenile or an adult.
Sunny Stewart’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change. Her community is mourning, but also hoping for answers and justice as the investigation continues.
