The city of Wilmington is holding its breath as sorrow settles in after the tragic discovery of the body of 45‑year‑old Susan Swann Crews, a Raleigh resident, who was found last week off the 4100 block of the eastbound side of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, just west of Kerr Avenue. At approximately 12:30 p.m. on November 4, officers from the Wilmington Police Department responded to a call about a body near the tree line in a wooded area beside the busy roadway.
Authorities have since confirmed that the remains are those of Susan Swann Crews of Raleigh. According to the police, current evidence indicates there is no suspicion of foul play at this stage of the investigation. That said, the official cause of death remains undetermined pending the results of an autopsy and the report of the medical examiner.
Friends and acquaintances of Susan in both Raleigh and Wilmington have been stunned and heart‑broken. Many recall her as someone whose kindness was quiet but meaningful: someone who lit up rooms, reached out to others, and left a memorable mark on those around her. “She had such a gentle soul and a beautiful heart,” said a family friend, echoing the widespread sense of loss. This sentiment hints at a life lived in service and warmth, now cut short in ways that are deeply painful to her community.
Susan’s impact was not confined to one place. While Raleigh was her home and where she worked, the news of her passing has sent ripples through her broader social circles. Those who knew her speak of her compassion, her willingness to help others, and the care she showed consistently. In the wake of her death, many are coming to terms with how fragile life truly is—and how swiftly it can change when least expected.
The Wilmington Police Department has thanked the public for its patience and support as the investigation continues. Investigators emphasized that while there is currently “no evidence of foul play,” the case remains open until the medical examiner’s report is returned and any further leads are followed. They’ve also appealed to anyone who may have seen or heard something out of the ordinary in the area on November 4 to come forward.
This story resonates beyond the immediate facts of discovery and investigation. It serves as a solemn reminder of the connections we share—with family, friends, neighbors—and the ways those bonds shape our lives and memories. For Susan Swann Crews, her presence in Raleigh and her quiet influence in the lives of others now live on as part of her legacy.
As the community of Wilmington joins with Raleigh in remembrance, many are left to reflect on the fragility and preciousness of life. Susan’s passing is felt as a heavy loss, not because of sensationalism, but because a person many loved so dearly is gone far too soon—yet will not be forgotten.
