Police identify victim in deadly Whiteville fitness center assault

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY-TV) — Police have identified the woman who was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning after she was assaulted at a fitness center in Whiteville.

Police received a call around 5:30 a.m. regarding a woman who was assaulted at Stronger Body Fitness at 711 N Johnson Street.

Police say the woman was still conscious at the time they arrived to the scene. The woman was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

A portion of N Johnson Street and East Smith Streets were blocked off for several hours on Wednesday. The SBI is involved in the investigation. Police have released any information regarding suspects as investigation is ongoing.

SBI agents were seen searching for evidence along East Smith Street and a piece of land next to the fitness center. The Columbus County Sheriff’s office was also on the scene with a K-9 Unit.

Whiteville police identified the victim as 71-year-old Cynthia Hansen.

Police chief, Paul Rockenbach said Hansen owned Stronger Body Fitness.

“She’s been a huge person to our community. She’s very well known within the community. She has several clients that come on a daily basis. So it’s certainly heartbreaking for our entire community and certainly heartbreaking for that entire family,” Rockenback said.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to the Whiteville Police Department.