A murder investigation has been launched after a woman disappeared while paddleboarding on a Maine pond.
Sunshine Stewart, 48, was found on July 3 at Crawford Pond in Union, about a half hour away from Augusta, according to Maine State Police.
Police said Stewart’s body was found under ‘unusual circumstances’ and don’t believe she died due to suicide or accidental drowning.
Due to the nature of her death, an autopsy was performed which indicated foul play may have been a factor.
Law enforcement is now on the hunt for her killer. A cause of death or a suspect has yet to be released. No arrests have been made.
The investigation remains open and active as law enforcement warned the public to ‘remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior.’
Stewart had rented a camper for the summer at Mic Mac Campground and left for the pond at 6 pm on July 2.
She never returned and was later reported missing. A multi-agency search and rescue operation quickly ensued.
Sunshine Stewart, 48, was last seen on July 2 when she went paddleboarding. Police found her body a day later and ruled her death a homicide
Stewart was paddleboarding on Crawford Pond in Union, Maine (pictured). Friends said she was staying at a nearby campground for the summer
Police warned the public to ‘remain aware of their surroundings’ after Stewart’s shocking death
Authorities made the grim discovery of her remains less than 24 hours later, leaving her community in shock.
Daily Mail reached out to the Maine State Police, the Knox County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rockland Police Department for an update on the investigation.
Friends of Stewart launched a GoFundMe for her funeral services, writing in the description, ‘Today is a somber day for our family and friends. We’ve unexpectedly lost the light in our lives that was Sunny.’
One of Stewart’s friends, Stacey Yandell, told local news outlet the Midcoast Villager, ‘She rebuilt her own house including the slate roof and siding. She was her own HGTV. She was a strong, self-made woman.’
‘She had such a strong personality. She radiated positivity and love. She was like a magnet. People were attracted to her.’
Friends told the publication that she never married or had children, but is survived by her sister, her brother, her nephews, and friends.
Kim Ware, Stewart’s sister, told local ABC affiliate, WMTW-TV, ‘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!’
Police haven’t released Stewart’s cause of death and no arrests have been made. She was staying at the Mic Mac Campground at the time of her death (pictured)
Stewart’s sister, Kim Ware, praised her for stepping up as an aunt. She was remembered as a woman who loved nature and radiated positivity
Another friend, Sarah Vokey, told WMTW-TV, ‘One of the hardest things I have ever written was the text I sent to my son “Sunshine was murdered.”‘
Ware told ABC that Stewart was a marine biologist and was working as a contractor when she died. She said her sister loved the outdoors and was the, ‘world’s best bartender, sternman, lobersterman and boat captain.’
As her friends and family grieve, questions loom over what happened to Stewart and the circumstances around her death.
Law enforcement is enlisting the public’s help, asking anyone who may’ve seen her paddleboarding between 6pm and 9pm on July 2 to contact Maine State Police.
