Sunshine Stewart, 48, Went Paddleboarding Alone and Died of Suspected Homicide

A Maine resident, Sunshine Stewart, died under mysterious circumstances. Sunshine, or “Sunny,” was an active woman who loved to be outdoors. According to her friends, she was adventurous and very experienced on the water. On Tuesday, July 2, she went paddleboarding on Crawford Pond near Union, ME, around 6 pm and did not return home. She was reported missing later. Her body was found on 100 Acre Island. The manner of death was ruled as homicide.

What Happened to Sunshine Stewart?

Sunny was a resident of Tenants Harbor. On Tuesday evening, she decided to go paddleboarding alone. Through Mic Mac Cove Family Campground, Crawford Pond is accessible, where Sunny decided to make her paddling excursion. She did not come back home; that was the last time anybody saw her. She was reported missing about six hours later, on early July 3rd.

Who was Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart?

Described as a capable woman who was an outdoor enthusiast, Sunshine Stewart had been a marine biologist. Her sister, Kim Ware, said in a statement to WMTW:

Captain Sunny was an amazing person…who would give you the shirt off her back. The strongest person I know!

Ware also said:

Sunny loved the outdoors, hiking, boating, paddleboarding, and yoga. 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.

Stewart had worked previously as a lobster catcher, boat captain, and, most recently, was performing some contract carpentry work. According to Ware, Sunny had even sailed once down to the Caribbean during a hurricane.

What Do We Know About Her Death?

After Stewart did not return, a game warden found her body under “unusual circumstances” on the island in the center of the pond. There is limited access since the pond is adjacent to the campground. Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit has taken the lead on this.

Currently, no suspects have been named as the investigation is ongoing. The police are cautioning everyone to be highly aware of their surroundings and report anything unusual to authorities. If anyone has any information pertaining to Sunny Stewart’s murder, they should contact the Maine State Police at 207.624.7076