Joanna Ruth Shields was found dead in the Ventana Wilderness area of the Los Padres National Forest in Big Sur on April 19
Credit: GoFundMe
NEED TO KNOW
- The cause of death death for woman whose body was found in Big Sur three months ago has been revealed
- Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found on April 19 by a group of hikers, who alerted authorities
- Shields’ body was found with “markings around her neck,” according to one of the hikers, with an investigation subsequently opened into her death
The cause of death of a 37-year-old woman whose body was found by hikers in Big Sur, Calif., has been revealed.
On Thursday, July 23, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner shared in a release that Joanna Ruth Shields’ death was determined to be natural, with the cause of death “probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder.”
Following a comprehensive forensic examination, a reliable medical and health history and information from Shields’ family, investigators found no evidence that she was the victim of a crime.
What were initially thought might have been ligature markings or signs of strangulation on her neck were instead found likely to be insect bites, per the release.
Credit: GoFundMe
A group of hikers found Shields’ body near Sykes Hot Springs, located in the Ventana Wilderness area of the Los Padres National Forest in Big Sur, on April 19, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office at the time.
Four days later, authorities identified the victim as the Carlsbad, Calif. resident in an update.
One of the hikers who found Shield’s body told NBC affiliate KSBW shortly after the discovery, “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 that she had a big gash on her head,” Gabe Holmes added.
Another person was reportedly with Shields before she died, and the coroner’s statement shared that the individual cooperated with investigators throughout the process. “Based on the results of the investigation and the findings of the forensic examination, no further investigative action will be taken,” the statement read.
The group of hikers told KSBW that the man, who said he was the victim’s friend, appeared cold and “shocked.” When asked by the men what had happened, the friend said they found the woman facedown in the water, according to the outlet.
Credit: Alamy
“She went to the bathroom. She was cleaning herself off in the river around 10:30 a.m.,” Luke Heerema recalled being told by the victim’s acquaintance, per the outlet, “and he went looking for her and then just saw her facedown in the water, naked.”
Sheriff-Coroner Tina Nieto shared “thoughts and prayers” with Shields’ family and loved ones, adding, “We hope these findings provide them with some measure of peace and closure after several difficult months.”
Brandon Devroede, operations manager at Evolve Skateboard, which Shields was formerly a brand ambassador for, said the news of her death was “shocking,” and called her an “awesome coworker,” via NBC affiliate KNSD.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Her family, who owns Vinaka Café in Carlsbad, paid tribute to her in an Instagram post shortly after she was first found.
“Our family is grieving the loss of our youngest. Our sweet Joanna, who was in a tragic backpacking accident last week,” they wrote.
“For those of you that knew and loved her we are sending out our hugs to you. She was a bright soul in our community and will be missed by so many.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Read the full article here
