Police say alcohol withdrawal caused woman’s death in California backcountry
Summary
A woman found dead in California’s Big Sur was determined by investigators to have died from alcohol withdrawal. Officials found no signs of a crime, and injuries on her body were caused by insect bites and a minor cut.Key Facts
- Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found dead in the backcountry area of Big Sur in April.
- Her body was discovered in Sykes hot springs in the Ventana wilderness.
- She had marks on her neck and a cut on her forehead when found.
- A man hiking with her said she went to the bathroom and did not return; he found her facedown in water.
- The investigation initially treated her death as suspicious.
- The sheriff-coroner ruled the cause of death as alcohol withdrawal seizures caused by long-term alcohol use.
- Injuries on Shields were insect bites and a superficial cut that did not cause death.
- Officials found no evidence of a crime related to her death.
- Shields was a skater and brand ambassador for Evolve Skateboards.
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