Body Found in Cape Fear River Identified

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Detectives have released the identity of a woman whose Sunday afternoon.

30-year old Heather Nicole Smith of the 800 block of Flaming Star Drive, Linden was positively identified by her tattoos and jewelry that were found on her body according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

A source reported seeing a body near the Campbellton Landing boat slip along the Cape Fear River at around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.

A medical examiner’s report says the cause of Smith’s death is undetermined at this time.

Her boyfriend of four years said Smith, a mother of four, was battling a pain pill addiction, according to a WRAL news report. Michael Overby, who is also the father of two of Smith's children, said she had been trying to get her life together for her children.

"She loves her kids. She loves them with all her heart," he told the TV station. "She was trying her hardest, but she wasn't succeeding."

He said he last saw Smith Thursday night and that nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Smith's family members were traveling to North Carolina from Florida Monday to be a part of the investigation.

Overby said they have many of the same questions he does. 

"Hopefully I can find some answers (about) what's going on (and) try to stay strong for my kids," he said on WRAL.