Cause of death revealed for hiker found near Big Sur hot spring

Authorities have determined that a Carlsbad woman whose body was found near a remote hot spring in Los Padres National Forest in April died of alcohol withdrawal, ending a monthslong death investigation. 

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The body of Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was discovered near Sykes Hot Springs in the Ventana Wilderness after hikers alerted authorities on April 9. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office initially described the case as a “suspicious death” while awaiting forensic and toxicology results. 

On Thursday, Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner Tina Nieto announced the investigation found Shields died of “probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder.” The coroner ruled the death as natural.

Following what the sheriff’s office described as a comprehensive forensic examination and investigation, detectives found no evidence that Shields was the victim of a crime. Officials said the cause and manner of death were determined through the forensic examination, medical history and information provided by her family.

The sheriff’s office also addressed reports that circulated early in the investigation describing possible strangulation marks and a head injury. The coroner determined the markings were consistent with “postmortem insect activity,” not strangulation or another criminal act, while the injury to her forehead was deemed “superficial” and did not contribute to her death.

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Investigators also interviewed the person who was reportedly with Shields before her death, describing that individual as “fully cooperative.” Based on the findings, the sheriff’s office said “no further investigative action will be taken.”

Shields worked as a customer experience manager at Evolve Skateboards USA, according to her LinkedIn profile. In a GoFundMe page after Shields’ death, a family friend described her as “bright and adventurous spirit” who loved nature and skateboarding.