• A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with the murder of paddleboarder Sunshine Stewart.
• Stewart's cause of death was determined to be strangulation and blunt force trauma, according to authorities.
• The investigation remains active as police seek information about the incident.
• Stewart was a known member of her community, appreciated for her adventurous spirit.
• The case has raised safety concerns among local residents and summer visitors.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of paddleboarder Sunshine Stewart, who was found dead on July 3 in Crawford Pond, Maine. Authorities announced the charge following an investigation that established her death resulted from strangulation and blunt force trauma, marking it as a homicide, according to ABC News and HuffPost.

The investigation revealed that Sunshine Stewart, 48, had gone missing after a solo paddleboarding trip, raising alarms in the small and tight-knit community of Union, Maine. Her body was discovered during a search on July 3, leading to heightened public concern about safety, as similar outdoor activities are popular in the area. Local residents expressed relief at the arrest, with many sharing their memories of Stewart as an adventurous and caring individual, reports CBS News and CBS News.

The unidentified teen suspect was taken into custody without incident while he was reportedly at the pond area for family vacation time. He has been charged with one count of murder and is being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center. His first court appearance is expected to occur following the arrest, where it remains unclear if he will be tried as an adult, as reported by ABC News and HuffPost.

Community members have been vocal about their concerns since the incident, reflecting on how such tragedies impact safety during recreational activities. As police continue to gather evidence and seek additional witnesses, they have urged anyone with potential information regarding Stewart's paddleboarding on July 2 to come forward. This case has resonated throughout the small town of Union, which has become simultaneous mourning the loss and seeking justice for a beloved member, according to CBS News and HuffPost.