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.

The Whiteville Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in reviewing any available camera or surveillance footage that may help investigators piece together activity in the area during the early morning hours of March 11th, 2026.

Residents and businesses located along the following streets are asked to check their cameras or security systems for any footage recorded between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.:
• North Thompson Street (from East Calhoun Street north)
• East Smith Street
• East Wyche Street
• East Church Street
• East College Street
• North Franklin Street (from East Calhoun Street north)
• Residences within the McKenzie Woods neighborhood

Investigators are specifically asking residents to review footage for any individuals, vehicles, or unusual activity that may have been captured during that timeframe. Even the smallest piece of information or a brief moment of video footage could provide a critical clue.