The Coral Springs community is reeling after the tragic death of Nancy Metayer Bowen, Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, whose body was found at her home on April 1, 2026. Authorities have reported that her husband, Stephen Bowen, allegedly admitted to a witness that he shot her in their bedroom before going to sleep downstairs. He now faces charges of premeditated murder and evidence tampering.
Nancy’s passing comes just three months after the death of her brother, Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Donovan, 26, died by suicide in December 2025, having struggled with long-term mental health challenges linked to the trauma he endured during the Parkland tragedy, which claimed 17 lives.
The loss of her brother had a profound impact on Nancy. She publicly shared messages honoring his memory and, in December, launched a GoFundMe to commemorate him. The day after his death, she reflected on their close bond, describing Donovan as the sibling she had always felt compelled to protect. Nancy Metayer Bowen was widely recognized for her dedication to public service and her commitment to the Coral Springs community. Her sudden death has left a deep void in the city and among those who worked with her.
As the Coral Springs Police Department continues its investigation, the community mourns the loss of a devoted public servant while the Metayer family faces yet another devastating tragedy. Nancy’s life and contributions will be remembered by colleagues, constituents, and loved ones alike, even as her family grapples with profound grief.