Coroner Rules Hiker’s Death Natural, Alcohol Withdrawal

Authorities in Monterey County have determined that a hiker found dead in a remote area of Big Sur in April died from natural causes related to chronic alcohol use, closing an investigation that had initially raised suspicions of foul play. The body of 37-year-old Joanna Ruth Shields of Carlsbad was discovered by other hikers on April 9 in the Ventana Wilderness near the popular Sykes Hot Springs along the Pine Ridge Trail.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday, July 23, 2026, that the coroner's investigation concluded Shields' death was natural, with the cause listed as probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder. The announcement followed a months-long inquiry that began under uncertain circumstances after the discovery of her body.

Initial witness accounts described Shields as lying face down in a pool of water, undressed except for a black bra, with a gash on her forehead and marks on her neck. These observations, coupled with hikers' reported encounter with a man on the trail who appeared cold, shaking, and claimed to be Shields' friend, led detectives to initially classify the case as a suspicious death. The man was located...