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Police: ‘Fear, Discomfort’ Felt, Paddleboarder Homicide Probe Ongoing in Union

Police: ‘Fear, Discomfort’ Felt, Paddleboarder Homicide Probe Ongoing in Union

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine State Police say they recognize the fear and discomfort felt by local residents about a week after the body of a 48-year-old paddleboarder was found in Crawford Pond in Union.

The death of Sunshine Stewart of Tenants Harbor was ruled a homicide by the state medical examiner, and officers say they’ve followed up on all information left on their tip line.

National media have begun to cover the mysterious death, including The New York Times and CBS News.

Police say Stewart left the Mic Mac Cove Family Campground at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2nd. Her body was found by searchers early Thursday morning near 100 Acre Island in Crawford Pond.

The cause of Stewart’s death has not been released and there’ve been no details about how her death was determined to be a homicide.

Police say they’ve been working with the owner of the campground, Katherine Lund, who has been cooperative and willing to assist and help with the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Maine State Police at 207-624-7076 or by texting MESPTIP to 847411.

Mic Mac Cove Campground released a statement on Facebook Monday, stating there would be no interviews with the media while the investigation continues. The campground said Maine State Investigators and the Warden Service have been there daily using the campground to access the crime scene.

A GoFundMe page has been set up, which includes a photo of Stewart, and as of Wednesday night had received $20,000.

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