Grim Cause of Death Revealed for a Naked Big Sur Hiker Found in Wilderness [WATCH]

Authorities have determined the cause of death for a Southern California hiker whose body was discovered earlier this year near a popular trail in Big Sur, concluding that no crime was involved, as reported by The New York Post.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced that Joanna Ruth Shields, a 37-year-old Carlsbad resident, died from “probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder.”

Officials classified her death as resulting from natural causes.

The Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner on Thursday revealed the cause of death for Joanna Ruth Shields, a Carlsbad woman whose body was discovered along a popular hiking trail in Big Sur on April 9.https://t.co/TqihTENpX5 pic.twitter.com/9FdDH0e7a3

— FOX 5 San Diego (@fox5sandiego) July 24, 2026

Shields’ body was discovered on April 9 in a pool of water near Sykes Hot Springs along the Pine Ridge Trail. At the time she was found, she was wearing only a black sports bra.

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Investigators also located a pile of clothing, sandals, and a water bottle nearby.

Early reports raised questions after hikers noticed a wound on her head and markings around her neck. However, investigators said the completed forensic examination found no evidence that another person was involved in her death.

Woman found dead with marks on neck! WTH?
July 23, the Monterey Sheriff’s Coroner shared in a release Joanna Ruth Shields’ death was determined to be natural, w the cause of death “probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder.”https://t.co/j0ppyjmFPS pic.twitter.com/HHKyUurcBw

— The Real Professor Horatio F. Melonhead, Thd (@ProfessorM37633) July 24, 2026

According to the coroner’s report, Shields had a laceration above her left eye, multiple bruises and abrasions on her body, and insect activity was present when her body was located.

The autopsy determined that the injury to her forehead was a superficial scalp laceration and did not contribute to her death.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Investigators also determined that the marks previously observed on her neck resulted from postmortem insect activity rather than foul play.

“Investigators found no evidence during the forensic examination or throughout the investigation to indicate that Ms. Shields was the victim of a crime,” investigators wrote.

The report further stated there was “not evidence of strangulation or any criminal act.”

The investigation also provided additional details about Shields’ health history before her death.

According to investigators, Shields had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and alcoholism.

Her sister told detectives that Shields had experienced alcohol withdrawal seizures in the past but had not suffered another episode after achieving sobriety.

Investigators said that around Thanksgiving 2024, Shields stopped taking her prescribed psychiatric medication without consulting her psychiatrist.

Family members reported that she instead began using psilocybin and marijuana in an effort to manage her condition.

Her sister told investigators that Shields’ mental health deteriorated afterward.

According to the report, she experienced paranoia and delusions, was eventually evicted, and was involved in several public incidents in which she removed her clothing.

The report states that Shields later traveled to Illinois for treatment before returning to California.

Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner Tina Nieto expressed sympathy for Shields’ family following the completion of the investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Joanna’s family and loved ones,” she wrote.

“We hope these findings provide them with some measure of peace and closure after several difficult months. I also want to thank our detectives, Coroner’s staff, our forensic pathologist, and our public safety partners for their professionalism, compassion, and dedication to conducting a thorough investigation and providing Joanna’s family with the answers they deserved.”

Before the cause of death was released, Shields’ relatives had described her passing as a tragic loss.

Her sister, Claudia Robinson, previously said Shields’ death resulted from a “tragic event.”

“We found out, and we’re all in different stages of grief as we attempt to process such a devastating blow to our hearts,” Robinson said.

She added, “[Shields] was a bright, radiant light in the peak of experiencing her own joy and gratitude for her existence, and her absence on this Earth will have a profound effect on countless numbers who had the opportunity to encounter her beautiful spirit.”

Robinson also shared another family member’s words, saying:

“As my sister Rachel said, ‘This is the saddest sadness I have ever known.'”

Friends and former colleagues also remembered Shields following her death. An avid skateboarder, she previously worked in the skateboarding industry.

Jeff Anning, owner of Evolve Skateboards, recalled her enthusiasm and kindness.

“She just had so much energy. She was just so passionate, so kind, and she was always, you know, putting other people first,” Anning said.

The Real MOU: What Trump’s Iran Agreement Actually Says – Truth Thursday | EP 677

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.