The family of slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen has issued a heartfelt statement following her death, remembering her as both a devoted public servant and beloved family member.
Metayer Bowen was found dead in her home on Wednesday morning in the 800 block of Northwest 127 Avenue after Coral Springs police conducted a welfare check around 10 a.m., according to Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later arrested in connection with her death.
Police said the incident is being investigated as a domestic violence case and confirmed there are no other suspects or threats to the community. Authorities have not yet announced what charges, if any, Stephen Bowen may face.
Family remembers ‘beloved sister’
In a message posted to Metayer Bowen’s Facebook page, her family shared their grief and reflected on her legacy.
“On behalf of our entire family, we are deeply saddened to share the passing of my beloved sister Nancy Metayer-Bowen. She was not only a cherished member of our family but also a dedicated public servant who committed her life to improving the lives of others.
Throughout her years in public office, she led with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering sense of purpose. She believed in bringing people together, listening to those she served, and working tirelessly to create positive change in her community. To us, she was a source of strength, wisdom, and love—someone who always put others before herself.
While many knew her as a leader and advocate, we knew her as a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room. Her legacy will live on not only in the policies she helped shape but in the countless lives she touched.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support and kindness during this difficult time. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the lasting impact she leaves behind.
We ask for privacy as our family grieves, and we thank everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
—From the Metayer Family”
Colleagues express grief
At a Wednesday evening press conference, Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons described Metayer Bowen as a dedicated colleague and friend.
“Nancy was our battle buddy. She had a good heart,” Simmons said. “She truly cared about people even when people were saying some of the most horrible things about her and us. She still cared, rolled up her sleeves went to every event that she could go too….”
Coral Springs City Manager Catherine Givens also expressed condolences during the press conference.
Metayer Bowen made history as Coral Springs’ first Black and Haitian-American woman elected commissioner when she won her seat in 2020. She was re-elected in 2024 and later appointed to a second term as vice mayor.
Broward County Mayor issues statement
Mark Bogen, Mayor of Broward County, also released a statement mourning her death.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. She served her community with dedication and heart, and the impact of her dedicated public service will be felt across Broward County. Our thoughts are with her family, colleagues, and the Coral Springs community during this difficult time.”
Authorities say the investigation into Metayer Bowen’s death remains ongoing.
