Who Killed Sunshine Stewart? A Tragedy in a Small Maine Community

Who Killed Sunshine Stewart? Questions Remain

Jul 13, 2025

What was supposed to be a peaceful evening on the water turned into a chilling mystery that’s gripped the coastal town of Union, Maine — and now, the nation. Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, a 48-year-old marine biologist and adventurous soul, vanished during a paddleboard trip on the serene waters of Crawford Pond. Less than 12 hours later, her body was discovered under suspicious circumstances — and her death ruled a homicide. 😢🕯️

What happened to this beloved local woman? And more importantly — who did this, and why?

Let’s explore the tragic case of Sunshine Stewart in detail. This is a story of loss, love, and the search for justice — a story we won’t let fade into the cold.

👩‍🔬 Who Was Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart?

Sunny Stewart was more than just a name in the headlines — she was a marine biologist, skilled lobsterman, licensed boat captain, and a beloved friend to many in her community. 🌊⚓ She had a profound connection to the water — a woman who found peace in nature and who made her living studying the mysteries beneath the waves.

People close to her described her as fiercely independent, adventurous, and loyal. 🐚 “She was as salty as the sea, and just as full of life,” one friend told reporters. Despite her strength, she had a warm heart and always showed up for those she cared about.

Sunny’s passion wasn’t just a job — it was her identity. She worked as a contractor for environmental groups, often braving difficult conditions for the sake of marine life. She owned her own boat and paddleboard and frequently went on solo outings around the coast of Maine.

But on July 2, 2025, one of those solo trips would become her last. 😔

🚨 Timeline of Events: July 2, 2025

📍Location: Crawford Pond, near Mic Mac Cove Campground, Union, Maine.

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Sunny was last seen preparing for a solo paddleboarding trip. She launched from the campground, familiar with the pond’s layout and comfortable navigating its waters.
9:00 PM: When she didn’t return as expected, concern started to grow among campground visitors. Some said it was unusual for her to be gone after dark.
Around 11:00 PM: A missing persons report was filed. Search efforts began almost immediately — the darkness and remoteness of the pond complicating the search.
1:00 AM (July 3): Sunny’s body was discovered near 100 Acre Island, a secluded area of the pond only accessible by boat. Her paddleboard was recovered nearby. 🛶💀

The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit quickly declared the death a homicide, though the cause of death has not yet been publicly released. The phrase used by investigators? “Unusual circumstances.” 😨

⚠️ “Unusual Circumstances” — What Does That Mean?

This phrase has haunted the community. Law enforcement has remained tight-lipped, fueling speculation — and concern. What makes this death so different?

Some key factors:

No signs of drowning. Early reports suggest the cause of death was not an accident.
Location of the body. It was found away from public view, near an island with limited or no foot access.
Lack of obvious injuries. If Sunny had been attacked in a struggle, evidence of trauma would typically be released. The absence of details implies something more complex.

The authorities are likely protecting the integrity of the investigation, but locals fear the worst: that a predator may still be out there. 😰

💔 Community Reactions: A Town in Shock

Union, Maine, is a quiet coastal town with just over 2,000 residents. It’s a place where people don’t lock their doors. 🏡 Now, everything has changed.

Residents have begun to lock up, share security footage, and keep closer watch over one another. Candlelight vigils were held in Sunny’s honor, and tributes poured in on social media. The dominant emotion? Disbelief.

“If something like this can happen to Sunny — it can happen to any of us,” said one local.

Others voiced frustration at the lack of answers, calling for transparency and urgency. Maine State Police have urged anyone who was near the campground between 6 PM and 9 PM on July 2 to contact them immediately.

🧩 A Puzzle with No Pieces (Yet)

At this stage, many questions remain unanswered:

Was Sunny targeted — or was this a random act of violence?
Did someone follow her to the pond? Or meet her there?
Was this someone she knew?
Why choose such a secluded location?

One unsettling theory is that Sunny may have been lured or ambushed, but no signs point clearly in one direction. With the cause of death still unreleased, it’s difficult to determine whether this was a crime of passion, a planned murder, or something else entirely. 🧠🕵️‍♂️

💻 Surveillance & Digital Clues

Authorities have been reviewing campground security footage and are hoping that someone — anyone — saw Sunny in the hours before her death.

They're specifically looking for:

Individuals who may have interacted with her.
Vehicles that entered or exited the campground.
Boats or paddleboards near the island around sunset.

With no named suspect, digital forensics, including cell phone pings, Fitbit data, or social media activity, could also play a role in piecing together her final movements.

📣 Rumors of a Serial Killer?

Local anxiety spiked after some began to speculate whether this case could be connected to other unsolved murdersacross New England. A guest on NewsNation’s Banfield noted how people are starting to whisper about a potential serial killer — especially since this case mirrors other quiet, outdoor-area homicides. 😱

But law enforcement has not made any such connection. Officials have been clear: there's no credible evidence linking Sunny’s case to others at this time.

Still, it underscores the fear and unease this case has brought to the region.

💵 Justice for Sunny: The GoFundMe

In the days following her death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Sunny’s close friends to assist her family with funeral costs and advocacy efforts. Over $19,000 has been raised as of mid-July.

The page is filled with heartfelt messages:

“You were a lighthouse to so many. We won’t rest until justice is served.”
“Sunny, your light continues in all of us who knew and loved you.”

Her community is grieving — but they’re also rallying. ⚖️❤️

🔍 How You Can Help

If you were in the area or know someone who was, even the smallest detail might help. Sunny’s loved ones and investigators are asking:

Were you on or near Crawford Pond between 6 PM and 9 PM on July 2, 2025?
Did you see a paddleboarder, a boat, or any unusual activity?
Do you have security footage or dash cam recordings from that time?

📞 Call Maine State Police at (207) 624-7076 or submit a tip through their official website.

🧠 The Bigger Picture

Sunny’s case reflects something larger: the vulnerability of women in outdoor spaces — even experienced, confident women like her. 🧭💪

In the true crime world, we know the chilling truth: no amount of expertise or caution can always protect you. The Cold Cases community exists to amplify stories like Sunny’s, demand answers, and ensure that victims aren’t forgotten.

Sunny deserves justice. And her killer — whoever they are — deserves to be found.

✍️ Final Thoughts: We Will Not Let This Go Cold

Every murder matters. Every life matters. And Sunshine Stewart’s death — in a quiet pond surrounded by pine trees and whispers — deserves more than mystery.

💬 As we continue to investigate, we at TheColdCases.com will keep this story alive. We’re reaching out to sources, digging through archives, and following every update. If a suspect is named, if more evidence is uncovered — you’ll hear about it here first.

To the friends, family, and neighbors of Sunny: We see you. We grieve with you. We’re fighting for you. 🕊️🕵️‍♀️

📌 Case Summary

Name: Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart
Age: 48
Profession: Marine Biologist, Lobsterman, Boat Captain
Date of Disappearance: July 2, 2025
Body Discovered: July 3, 2025, around 1:00 AM
Location: Crawford Pond, Union, Maine
Cause of Death: Undisclosed
Manner of Death: Homicide
Status: No suspect named; active investigation

🎗️ Spread Awareness

Please consider sharing this article, donating to the GoFundMe, or posting about Sunshine Stewart using hashtags like:

#JusticeForSunny #MaineHomicide #ColdCasesMatter #TheColdCases

Together, we can keep Sunny’s light alive. 🌅