Alcohol Withdrawal Caused Woman's Death in California Backcountry

Joanna Ruth Shields died from alcohol withdrawal, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, who announced their findings on Thursday. Her body was discovered in April in the Sykes hot springs area of California's Ventana wilderness. The 37-year-old was found naked in a pool of water with suspicious marks on her neck and a cut across her forehead, which initially fueled speculation of a violent attack. Hikers discovered her remains, leading to an investigation by the sheriff's office. The initial discovery prompted widespread concern and suspicion due to the condition and location of her body. The sheriff's office has now concluded their investigation, attributing the death to complications from alcohol withdrawal. This clarification aims to address the initial public speculation surrounding the circumstances of Shields' death. The specific details of the withdrawal symptoms or the duration of her condition were not immediately released by the authorities. The investigation involved examining the scene and Shields' medical history, as reported by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.