The founder and director of a children’s dance program in Arlington, missing since Sunday, has been found dead.
Susannah Keefe, 52, was located in the Potomac River around 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, a spokesperson for D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department told ARLnow.
The agency’s Harbor Patrol Unit found her in the river near Fletcher’s Cove. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is currently a death investigation,” MPD said. “The cause and manner of death will be determined by the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.”
Keefe, a mother of two, founded Go Bananas Dancing in 2009.
“Through teaching and performing, Susannah has met so many wonderful people in her community, young and old,” her biography on the organization’s website says. “But what she loves the most is seeing the PURE JOY that radiates from children when they dance!”
Keefe was reported missing over the weekend. She was last seen on Sunday around 5:45 p.m. near the GW Parkway’s second scenic overlook, according to an information bulletin posted by U.S. Park Police, which listed her as a “critically missing person.”
Go Bananas Dancing last posted on Facebook on Tuesday, July 28, advertising its fall classes, which are held via Arlington’s Dept. Parks and Recreation.
“Susannah was a bright light with such a warm, loving, and kind heart,” another local dance company posted on social media Wednesday afternoon. “We are so grateful for her friendship and unwavering support. May she rest in peace. Her family has requested to respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their Susannah.”
Critical #MissingPerson 52-year-old Susannah Keefe, last seen near the second scenic overlook off the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington, VA, on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.
Have information? Please call (202) 610-7505 or 202-379-4877 pic.twitter.com/Z5ccarp9lh
— USPPNEWS (@usparkpolicepio) August 3, 2026
Photos via YouTube and Google Maps
