The mystery surrounding the discovery of a hiker found naked and deceased in Big Sur has been unraveled with a newly released cause of death.
Joanna Ruth Shields, a 37-year-old from Carlsbad, passed away due to “probable alcohol withdrawal seizures as a consequence of chronic alcohol use disorder,” according to a statement from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Her remains were discovered on April 9 in a water pool along Pine Ridge Trail, close to Sykes Hot Springs. Notably, she had a gash on her head, and other hikers noted peculiar marks on her neck.
The identified cause of death largely rules out foul play. Authorities had previously dismissed theories of strangulation, suggesting that the unusual neck markings were likely the result of ant bites.