Cause of Death Revealed for Big Sur Hiker Found on Remote California Trail

A California hiker whose body was discovered earlier this year in a remote stretch of the Big Sur wilderness died from complications linked to alcohol withdrawal, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said, classifying her death as natural.

Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, died from “probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Shields was found dead on April 9 near Sykes Hot Springs, along the Pine Ridge Trail in Los Padres National Forest. Authorities initially approached the investigation as suspicious because her cause of death was not immediately clear, and hikers had reported seeing a head injury and marks on her neck.

After reviewing the evidence, the sheriff’s office said investigators found nothing indicating Shields had been the victim of a crime.

Authorities said she was discovered lying near a shallow creek, wearing a black sports bra, with her clothing, sandals and a water bottle found nearby.

An autopsy found that a cut above her left eye was superficial and did not play a role in her death.

Investigators also determined that the marks on her neck were the result of insect activity after death, and they found no evidence that she had been strangled.

“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.

INC News 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.

“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.”