Teenager Arrested after Paddleboarder’s Cause of Death Revealed
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In a tragic turn of events, the cause of death for paddleboarder Sunshine Stewart, 48, has been disclosed by the police after her lifeless body was discovered during a search of Crawford Pond in Union, Maine on July 3rd. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta has officially stated that the victim succumbed to strangulation and blunt force trauma, as per a police statement. Alongside this revelation, law enforcement authorities have apprehended a 17-year-old male in connection with the murder.
This heart-wrenching incident unfolded as the woman, Sunshine Stewart, met a gruesome fate after embarking on a paddleboarding expedition in Maine. The body of the 48-year-old, hailing from Tenants Harbor, was recovered during the exploration of Crawford Pond in Union on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Shedding light on the developments, Maine State Police detailed in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 17, that an arrest had been made the previous day. The post revealed, “On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m. [local time], Maine State Police arrested a 17-year-old male from Maine, in connection with the homicide investigation in Union.”
The law enforcement authorities elaborated that the juvenile suspect was detained without confrontation in Union and subsequently transported to the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland. The investigations leading to this arrest were credited to the relentless efforts of Detectives and Investigators with the Maine State Police, indicating that the case is still actively being pursued. Moreover, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta confirmed the victim’s cause of death as a result of strangulation and blunt force trauma.
Earlier reports suggested that Stewart had ventured out on her paddleboard on Crawford Pond in Union before meeting her tragic demise. Known fondly as “Sunny” by those close to her, she had set out on the water alone the day before her body was found. The circumstances surrounding her discovery raised suspicion, with officials familiar with the investigation revealing that her body was found under unusual circumstances, as reported previously by ABC News.
Following the heart-wrenching loss of Stewart, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to support her friends and family in giving her a fitting farewell. As donations poured in, surpassing $33,000, a poignant message on the fundraising page mourned the unexpected departure of the radiant soul that was Sunny. Echoing the sentiments expressed, her friend Rob Wood paid a moving tribute on Facebook, describing Stewart as a resilient individual who faced challenges with grace and grit.
Stewart’s sister, Kim Ware, shared heartfelt memories of her sibling, portraying her as a multifaceted personality excelling as a marine biologist, a skilled bartender, lobsterman, and boat captain. She highlighted Stewart’s altruistic nature, recalling how she would go above and beyond to help others in need. The outpouring of love and support from the community was palpable as friends, acquaintances, and well-wishers rallied together to honour the memory of the beloved paddleboarder.
As investigations continue into this harrowing incident, with the arrest of the teenage suspect marking a significant development in the case, the community remains in shock and mourning over the untimely loss of Sunshine Stewart. Her vibrant spirit and unwavering strength have left an indelible mark on those who knew her, serving as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing each moment. The tragic events surrounding her demise have prompted an outpouring of support and solidarity, underscoring the impact of her presence in the lives of many.