Fairfax County, Va. –– The body of a female boater who went missing last weekend on the Occoquan River was recovered this morning.
Police search teams Friday found the body of 64-year-old Julia Shew on the river shoreline near Fountain Head Regional Park, at 10875 Hampton Road in Fairfax County.
She was recovered at 10:25 a.m., nearly a week after she went missing off the Sandy Run Regional Park.
Shew went missing about 6:30 p.m. Saturday, after a day of training for an upcoming boat race that went on without her Sunday.
For most of the week following her disappearance, police and fire and rescue marine units, divers and a helicopter were used to search for the woman, according to Fairfax County police spokesman Bud Walker.
The body has been sent to the state’s medical examiner’s office for examination.
Officials said Shew was a seasoned boater who often trained in the area in which her body was found.
On Sunday, Fairfax fire and rescue spokesman Capt. Willie Bailey said conditions on the river at the time the woman was reported missing were unusually rough, with one to two feet waves.
Police said earlier this week their focus would remain on searching the water for Shew’s body, and that investigators did not suspect foul play in the woman’s disappearance.
Recent Stories
A summer tradition returns to Northern Virginia with a patriotic lineup of performances from some of the nation’s top military ensembles. The 2025 Summer Concert Series at the National Museum of the Marine Corps continues on Thursday, July 3, with a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment.
What started as a separate movie theater and bowling alley with a myriad of names is now “Hooky,” an entertainment destination at Spotsylvania Town Centre that offers something for everyone, even if you’re playing hooky from another obligation.
A Falmouth woman is pushing back against a county order to shut down a small farm stand on her property, saying the structure is part of a broader effort to preserve the agricultural lifestyle that once defined Stafford County.
A dragon, a swamp, and a whole lot of heart are taking over the stage at All Saints Catholic Church this summer as the Upper Room Theatre Ministry prepares for its biggest production yet: Shrek the Musical.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
