Joanna Ruth Shields’ cause of death: What were the ‘strangle marks’ on Big Sur hiker’s neck? Coroner’s findings
Joanna Ruth Shields, a 37-year-old woman, was found dead by a hiker in Big Sur. californiahas been revealed. group hiker Shields’ body was found April 19 near Sykes Hot Springs in the Ventana Wilderness Area of the Los Padres National Forest in Big Sur, according to police. statement released by the Sheriff’s Office at the time.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner shared in a report release Shields’ death on Thursday, July 23, was determined to be natural. cause of death “Alcohol withdrawal seizures may occur due to chronic alcohol use disorder.” After a thorough forensic examination, a solid medical and health history, and information from Shields’ family, investigators found no evidence of a crime.
“During the initial stages of the investigation, media reports cited eyewitness accounts describing possible strangulation marks and injuries on Ms Shields’ forehead. As is common in death investigations, observations made prior to the forensic examination were considered preliminary and subject to scientific assessment. The coroner’s examination Cha determined that marks observed on Ms. Shields’ body were consistent with “postmortem insect activity” and were not evidence of strangulation or any criminal conduct. Additionally, the injuries observed on her forehead were determined to be “superficial” and were not considered a factor in her death,” the release states.
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Sheriff and Coroner Tina Nieto said, “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Joanna’s family and loved ones. We hope these findings will provide them with a level of peace and closure after a difficult few months. I would also like to thank our detectives, coroner staff, forensic pathologists and public safety partners for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in conducting a thorough investigation that provided Joanna’s family the answers they deserve.”
Joanna Ruth Shields GoFundMe
one to fund me The organization set up after Shields’ death to pay for her funeral described her as someone who “walked through this world with brightness and spontaneity.”
“There was such a sense of freedom about her… like she belonged to the wind and the sun. Often gliding on her skateboard, with a smile that brightened her beautiful blue eyes, Joanna was a smart and adventurous person who touched the lives of everyone around her,” it added.
“I didn’t see any blood. She was pale. She had marks on her neck,” a hiker who discovered the Carlsbad, Calif., resident’s body told NBC affiliate KSBW shortly after the discovery.
“I don’t want to say, you know, signs of strangulation, but when the firefighter lifted the jacket, he confirmed she had a large gash on her head,” Gabe Holmes added.
The Shields family owns Vinaka Cafe in Carlsbad. They remembered her in an interview Instagram She posted shortly after she was first spotted.
“Our family is grieving the loss of our youngest child. Our sweet Joanna suffered a tragic backpacking accident last week,” they wrote. “To those who knew and loved her, we send you a hug. She was a bright soul in our community and will be missed by many.”
