Tragic Loss: Southern California’s Joanna Shields Remembered as Friends Mourn Her Passing in Big Sur

In the serene and rugged landscape of Big Sur, California, family and friends are mourning the tragic loss of Joanna Shields, a 37-year-old woman from Southern California. Her body was discovered by hikers on April 9 in the remote Ventana Wilderness section of the Los Padres National Forest, as confirmed by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Her untimely death is currently under investigation and is being treated as suspicious.

Joanna Shields was known for her deep appreciation for the natural world and her ability to bring light and positivity into the lives of those around her. In her community in Carlsbad, she was a familiar sight, often seen cruising the streets of San Diego on her skateboard. Her passion for skateboarding was more than a pastime; it was a part of her identity, which she proudly represented as a brand ambassador for Evolve Skateboards.

Jeff Anning, the owner and founder of Evolve Skateboards, spoke warmly of Shields, highlighting her vibrant energy and love for riding. “She just had great energy and she just loved riding,” Anning remarked, reflecting on the loss that has deeply affected their close-knit skateboarding community. Shields had been a cherished member of the Evolve family for many years, and her sudden death has left a profound impact on all who knew her.

She frequently glided through the streets of San Diego on her skateboard. She was a brand ambassador for Evolve Skateboards.

“She just had great energy and she just loved riding,” said Jeff Anning, owner of Evolve Skateboards.

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.