Monterey Sheriff Rules 37-Year-Old Hiker Joanna Shields Died of Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 24
Monterey Sheriff Rules 37-Year-Old Hiker Joanna Shields Died of Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 24
Summary
Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, died from probable alcohol withdrawal seizures tied to chronic alcohol use disorder, and Monterey County authorities ruled her April 9 death natural.
The finding resolves a case initially treated as suspicious after hikers reported a head wound and marks on her neck near Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur.
An autopsy found the laceration above her left eye was superficial, while investigators said the neck marks came from postmortem insect activity and found no evidence of strangulation or other crime.
The coroner's report said Shields had bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder; relatives told investigators her mental health had worsened after she stopped prescribed medication and that she had previously suffered withdrawal seizures.