They had just celebrated 40 years together. Days later, everything changed.

NewsThey had just celebrated 40 years together. Days later, deputies made a tragic discoveryAuthorities are investigating the deaths of Stephen and Tracey Willetts after they were found inside their New Hanover County, North Carolina, home. Detectives believe the case was a murder-suicide and say the investigation remains ongoing.(Sebastian Restrepo/MassLive)NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities in coastal North Carolina are investigating the deaths of a husband and wife after deputies found the couple inside their home and determined the case appears to be a murder-suicide, WWAY reported.The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office identified the couple as Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts. Deputies responded to the couple’s residence on Rowsgate Lane on the morning of July 30 after receiving an emergency notification, according to People. Investigators said evidence collected at the scene indicates Tracey Willetts fatally shot her husband before taking her own life. Officials said the investigation remains active and additional details could be released as detectives continue their work, Daily Mail said.According to local reports, emergency responders were dispatched after one of the victims’ smartwatches automatically contacted 911 when it detected either a significant fall or the absence of a pulse. Authorities have not said whose device initiated the emergency call. Friends told local media the couple had recently returned from a trip celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. The unexpected deaths have stunned relatives, neighbors and members of the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community, where the pair were well known. Neighbors described Stephen Willetts as friendly, approachable and active outdoors. One neighbor told local television station WECT that Stephen regularly greeted people while walking his dog or talking with runners in the neighborhood, making news of the couple’s deaths especially difficult for residents to process. Investigators have not announced a possible motive, and no additional circumstances surrounding the shootings have been released. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or having thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.ALSO TRENDING: A nationwide food outbreak is spreading. Here’s why tracking it has been so difficultALSO TRFNDING: Zac Brown drops jaw-dropping gift to 35,000 attendees during sold-out showALSO TRFNDING: Airline says safety. Florida passenger says faith. Now everyone is debating itChris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.