Police in Whiteville have identified the woman who died following an early morning assault at a local fitness center.
According to the Whiteville Police Department, officers responded to a call around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday reporting that a woman had been assaulted at Stronger Body Fitness. Authorities have identified the victim as Cynthia Hansen, 71, who was the owner of Stronger Body Fitness.
When officers arrived, they found the victim still conscious but seriously injured. Emergency responders transported her to Columbus Regional Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
A section of North Johnson Street and East Smith Street was closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation joined the investigation, along with deputies from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and a K-9 unit searching the surrounding area for evidence.
Whiteville Police Chief Paul Rockenbach described Hansen as a well-known and respected member of the community.
“She’s been a huge person to our community,” Rockenbach said. “She’s very well known within the community. She has several clients that come on a daily basis. It’s certainly heartbreaking for our entire community and for her family.”
Authorities say no suspect information has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Whiteville Police Department.
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