Authorities in North Carolina are investigating a tragic incident where a husband and wife were found dead in their Wilmington home. The couple, Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts, both died from gunshot wounds, and investigators suspect a murder-suicide.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office reported that based on the gathered evidence, detectives believe Tracey fatally shot her husband before taking her own life. The initial emergency response was triggered by one of the Willetts’ smartwatches, which detected a fall and automatically dialed 911 when the alert was not canceled.

The couple had reportedly celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary the day before the incident. Their presence in the local community was well-known, particularly in the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding scene, as highlighted by numerous social media posts. Stephen Willetts, aged 65, was a retired Army member and an avid paddleboarder alongside his wife Tracey, who was known for performing a headstand on her paddleboard.

A neighbor and family members shared their memories and the impact of previous losses in the Willetts family. The couple had endured the profound grief of losing their two sons within a year between 2013 and 2014.

The ongoing investigation, led by the sheriff’s office, continues to uncover the details surrounding the deaths of Stephen and Tracey Willetts. Their community mourns the loss, remembering them both for their dedication and passion.