Body Found in Cape Fear River Identified
30-year old Heather Nicole Smith was identified by her tattoos and jewelry.
Photos
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Detectives have released the identity of a woman whose body was found floating in the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon.
30-year old Heather Nicole Smith of the 800 block of Flaming Star Drive, Linden was positively identified by her tattoos and jewelry that were found on her body according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
A source reported seeing a body near the Campbellton Landing boat slip along the Cape Fear River at around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
A medical examiner’s report says the cause of Smith’s death is undetermined at this time.
Her boyfriend of four years said Smith, a mother of four, was battling a pain pill addiction, according to a WRAL news report. Michael Overby, who is also the father of two of Smith's children, said she had been trying to get her life together for her children.
"She loves her kids. She loves them with all her heart," he told the TV station. "She was trying her hardest, but she wasn't succeeding."
He said he last saw Smith Thursday night and that nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Smith's family members were traveling to North Carolina from Florida Monday to be a part of the investigation.
Overby said they have many of the same questions he does.
"Hopefully I can find some answers (about) what's going on (and) try to stay strong for my kids," he said on WRAL.
RIP HNS
9:33 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
She was a great friend and I will miss her dearly. The stories don't add up but no one will know the truth except her.
Kelly Twedell
9:45 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
Kasey, sorry for your loss. Why don't you compile some great sentiments about Heather and send me a better photo. I'd like to properly honor who she was a person and friend. People can then add on and leave their comments.
Kellie
12:22 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
This is unreal! Nothing seems right about this at all. She would never just jump. Heather was an amazing mother to Aidyn and Addison. Mike and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers! We love you Heather! RIP!
Kelly Twedell
6:18 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Kellie, I'm sorry to hear she was a mother. Contact me offline, I have a few questions. Thanks!
Heathers Mom
10:30 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Kellie i am the mother of heather smith perhaps you could contact me off line.
Elizabeth
9:02 am on Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sad story. Nobody has any right to comment on someone's situation. It sounds like she had a supportive network of friends.
RIP HNS
9:19 am on Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I don't see why he would have blasted her about her addiction on television like that.. You are suppose to be mourning for the loss of your girlfriend and mother of your children not making sure everyone knew she had a problem so that could look like a possible way of how she passed.. I am furious at this point!
Kimberly a Gaspar
1:02 pm on Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I knew her as a child and her mother is still one of my best friends. My heart is breaking because she was a loving person who was a tomboy as a kid, loved to climb and was fascinated by bugs. My son and her were close as children. People don't choose addiction,it is usually used to diminish extreme pain and memories. she was a sweet girl with a good heart and I'm so sad she was not able to overcome her illness before this. May god rock you in his arms. Always loved.....Aunt Kim
Kathryn
5:08 pm on Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Kasey, all that I can say to that about him telling her story is that people grieve differently. And you are correct only she knows what happened. Because unfortunately even after the medical examiners reports come back they still have to figure out what happened IF it was foul play. I have heard many speculations as to what possibly happened and have theories running through my head as well. But none of us know. I am praying for her family and friends that they eventually have closier.
Tracey DeHart Gresham
11:23 pm on Saturday, June 2, 2012
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss...My heart goes out to you as her mother and her 4 children. Please know GOD will prevail, and the truth will become known. I love you and hope to talk to you soon.
Patricia Yoe
11:17 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sandy I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family. This is very suspicious. The boyfriend and father of her children should be concerned about his girlfriend and their children, not her pill addiction which I believe she had conquered and succeeded. Heather was a beautiful girl and looked better than I had ever seen her before her death. I hope it is determined who did this and maybe the boyfriend needs to be a suspect. I am outraged. RIP Heather.
Heathers Mom
10:41 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
People we are getting ready to lay our child to rest and would appreciate it if you could refrain yourselves from constantly refering to our daughter as an addict. I have a certificate of completion from rehab. She fought a hard battle and had come a long way. She was a human being found dead in the river. If you cant find any other thing to say about her, you never even knew her. How about some compassion at this time for people who loved her. I think you need some Jesus. no one knows what happened to her yet please let the detectives do they're job.
Kelly Twedell
11:01 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Heather's Mom, words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. I have found no other details to report from the investigation. The Patch site had an outpouring of support. If you'd like to send a photo and I'll post a Tribute Page for her so that her friends and family can leave their sentiments, I'd love to do that for you. Deepest condolences as you seek closure.
SANDY SMITH
12:57 am on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Personally, I dont believe the state of N.C. really cares what happened to my daughter. It has become obvious to me that as for the loss of my daughter it appears to me after just leaving N.C. my daughter is just another statistic. I pray that the light will shine through the darkness but it will be a God thing because honestly I dont believe law enforcement in this state cares anymore. She has already been forgotten. For all involved in this investigation I pray you never feel my pain and god forbid you do Im quite sure you be a little more understanding about my pain.
SANDY SMITH
7:52 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
kelly also said she was sorry she was a mom they obviously doesnt know what she is talking about she left behind foour beautful angels that all look exactly like her. and they loved her as much as she did them. and if she has any questions concerning this matter she is more than welcome to contact me personally and i will be more than to answer her questions. I can be reached on my cell 904 294 1113 or my email sandysmith1964@gmail.com. Thankyou!!!!
SANDY SMITH
7:54 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Im sorry a little distraut i was refering to the woman that ask you to call concerning her hating to hear my daughter was a mom!
Latasha logan
9:30 pm on Monday, September 3, 2012
my name is Tasha and commenting on my lost of a friend and sister.
Heather and I grow up together and we shared some good times. I understand that she took some wrong roads in life but with the grace of God she was able to find her way back home.
I pray that God will give Sandy the strength to hold her head up and be strong. Sandy is now Heather voice and her voice will be heard.
I take comfort in knowing that Heather found God before she was murdered. she's in good hands now I need not worry.
Heather I love and I'll see I soon!!!!