Tragic Loss: Community Remembers Joanna Shields, Southern California Woman Found Deceased While Backpacking in Big Sur

BIG SUR, Calif. — The community is mourning the loss of Joanna Shields, a 37-year-old woman from Southern California whose body was found in the remote wilderness near Big Sur.

Shields, a resident of Carlsbad, was discovered on April 9 by a group of hikers exploring the Ventana Wilderness within the Los Padres National Forest, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Her death is currently being treated as suspicious and remains under investigation.

Those who knew Shields remember her as a nature enthusiast who radiated positivity to everyone she encountered.

In San Diego, Shields was often seen cruising on her skateboard, embodying the spirit of adventure as a brand ambassador for Evolve Skateboards.

“She had an incredible energy and a genuine love for skateboarding,” said Jeff Anning, the owner of Evolve Skateboards, reflecting on her passion and vibrant personality.

Anning, Evolve’s founder, said Shields had been a part of their skate family for years and her death has shaken the community.

“She just had so much energy. She was just so passionate, so kind, and she was always putting other people first,” Anning said. “She definitely touched a lot of people in her journey.”

Anning said Shields also played a role in growing the skateboarding community, particularly among women.

“We were getting more girls coming along to these group rides. It’s what it’s all about. She was very passionate about the sport,” Anning said.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office says Shields’ death is considered suspicious and their investigation is ongoing. Hikers who found her body described what they saw.

“I didn’t see any blood. She was pale. She had markings around her neck. I don’t want to say, you know, choking marks, but when the firefighter lifted the jacket, he confirmed she had a big gash on her head,” said hiker Gabe Holmes.

Despite those observations, authorities told Eyewitness News that while Shields’ death is being investigated as suspicious, “sometimes what somebody believes they are seeing is not what it appears to be.”

An autopsy has been completed and investigators say they are awaiting toxicology results before determining the cause and manner of death. That could take six to eight weeks.

The sheriff’s office said everyone who was at the scene is cooperating, no one is in custody and there is no threat to the public.

As the investigation continues, those who knew Shields are focused on honoring her memory.

“We just need to reflect and sort of celebrate who she was and, you know, the time she had here and the good she did,” Anning said.

Loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs. You can donate here.