ST. GEORGE, Maine — A community mourns the loss of a beloved local resident whose life was tragically cut short. Friends and family of Sunshine Stewart, a 48-year-old from St. George, are organizing a maritime memorial service this Sunday to honor her vibrant spirit, following her untimely death earlier this summer.
Stewart vanished in July while paddleboarding on Crawford Pond, a favored summer spot in Union, Maine. Her body was later discovered, prompting the police to charge 17-year-old Deven Young from Frankfort with her murder. The news of her death sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, which is now grappling with the loss.
The memorial service, described by organizers as a “maritime celebration of life,” is set to take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Tenants Harbor area, where Stewart resided. Attendees will participate in a procession of vessels, celebrating her love for the ocean and the outdoors, and remembering the joy she brought to those around her.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the event’s promoters expressed their intent to honor Stewart, noting, “On August 10, 2025, family, friends, and community will gather on the sea to remember the radiant life of Sunshine ‘Sunny’ Stewart — a woman whose light touched every soul she met.”
The Maine Attorney General’s Office is pursuing an adult trial for Young, a decision that hinges on a judge’s ruling scheduled for August 22. Young entered a denial during an initial court appearance last month, and his attorney, Jeremy Pratt, has declined to comment on the case.
Details surrounding Stewart’s death remain limited, with law enforcement not disclosing specific motives. Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine State Police, has indicated that the investigation is ongoing and will continue for the foreseeable future. It has been confirmed that a medical examiner determined that Stewart died from strangulation and blunt force trauma.
Stewart lived approximately 20 miles from where her life ended. The pond attracts many boaters and anglers, and is home to a campground. In the aftermath of her death, friends have shared tributes that depict her as a fiercely independent individual and a devoted friend. She pursued an eclectic range of careers, including roles as a biologist, fisherman, and carpenter.
“Sunny was a really loyal, wonderful friend,” said Bethany Leach Parmley, a lifelong friend who remembered Stewart fondly. As the community unites to celebrate her life, many are left to reflect on the impact she had on them and the sudden tragedy that has shaken their world.