Earlier this year, a hiker’s body was discovered in the untamed expanse of Big Sur, California. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has now revealed that she succumbed to natural causes, intricately linked to alcohol withdrawal.
Identified as 37-year-old Joanna Ruth Shields, her demise was officially attributed to “probable alcohol withdrawal seizures triggered by a chronic alcohol use disorder,” according to the sheriff’s statement.
The tragic incident unfolded on April 9 when Shields’ lifeless body was uncovered near Sykes Hot Springs along Pine Ridge Trail in Los Padres National Forest. Initially, there was a cloud of suspicion due to the mystery surrounding her death, amplified by reports from fellow hikers noting a head wound and unusual neck markings.
FILE – Declaring her passing as “natural,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office closed the case. (Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)
On following investigation, authorities stated they found no indications pointing to foul play in Shields’ untimely death.
She was found lying near a shallow creek wearing a black sports bra, with her clothing, sandals and a water bottle nearby, according to authorities.
An autopsy determined a laceration above her left eye was superficial and did not contribute to her death.
Investigators also concluded the marks on her neck were caused by postmortem insect activity and found no evidence of strangulation.
FILE – Aerial view of Big Sur, the Santa Lucia coastal mountain range and the Los Padres National Forest, in California. (Reuters/Michael Fiala)
“Investigators found no evidence during the forensic examination or throughout the investigation to indicate that Ms. Shields was the victim of a crime,” the coroner’s report states.
News Media previously reported that witnesses who discovered Shields’ body told local media they encountered a man who identified himself as her friend and said he had found her after the pair became separated on the trail.
At the time, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Cmdr. Andres Rosas urged the public not to jump to conclusions, saying investigators were working to determine the cause of death and that everyone at the scene had cooperated.
The coroner’s report also states Shields had a history of bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder. Family members told investigators her mental health declined in the months before her death after she stopped taking prescribed psychiatric medication. Her sister also told investigators Shields had previously experienced alcohol withdrawal seizures before becoming sober.
Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner Tina Nieto said she hopes the findings provide answers for Shields’ loved ones.
FILE – The remains were found along a trail in Big Sur, California. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Joanna’s family and loved ones,” Nieto said. “We hope these findings provide them with some measure of peace and closure after several difficult months.”