The city confirmed her death in a Facebook post, calling her “a light in our community” and praising her leadership and service. Investigators say the case is still active, with no final conclusions released.
Metayer Bowen made history in 2020 as the first Black Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs Commission. She also served as Florida’s Caribbean Vote Director for the 2024 election and previously worked as an environmental scientist involved in hurricane recovery efforts.
Her death comes shortly after another family tragedy: her brother died by suicide in December after long-term mental health struggles. He was also a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting.
Coral Springs officials and residents continue to mourn her loss as the investigation continues.