Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen was found dead in her home on Wednesday morning during a police wellness check, according to local law enforcement. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, has been arrested in connection with her death.
Coral Springs police are investigating the death as a domestic violence incident and have stated there are no additional suspects in the case. Metayer Bowen served as both vice mayor and city commissioner at the time of her death.
The tragic death comes at a pivotal moment in Metayer Bowen's political career. According to Florida Representative Jared Moskowitz, she was preparing to announce a congressional campaign. The Miami Herald reported the announcement had been scheduled for Thursday, though that event will no longer take place.
Representative Moskowitz expressed profound shock at the news, revealing he had been with Metayer Bowen just days earlier. In a public statement, he noted she had recently attended her brother's funeral and described her as "one of the nicest people I worked with," emphasizing her dedication to community service and advocacy.
Sources indicate Metayer Bowen intended to run in a Democratic primary for the congressional seat currently held by Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who faces an indictment for allegedly diverting millions of dollars in disaster relief funds to her campaign.
Metayer Bowen made history in 2020 when she became the first Black and Haitian American woman elected as a commissioner in Coral Springs. She secured reelection in 2024, demonstrating sustained community support. In November 2025, she was appointed to serve a second term as vice mayor, a position that reflected her growing influence in local governance.
Her tenure on the Coral Springs City Commission was marked by consistent advocacy for her constituents and a focus on community development. Colleagues and community members have described her as a tireless advocate who prioritized the needs of residents and worked to advance progressive policies at the local level.
The investigation into her death remains active. Domestic violence incidents continue to be a serious concern across Florida and nationwide, with law enforcement agencies emphasizing the importance of intervention and support services for those in potentially dangerous situations.
Metayer Bowen's death represents a significant loss for Coral Springs and the broader South Florida political community. Her pioneering role as a trailblazer for Black and Haitian American representation in local government, combined with her apparent readiness to seek higher office, suggested a trajectory of continued public service and leadership.