Coroner releases cause of Joanna Ruth Shields' death

Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found dead by hikers near Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur, California, on April 19.

The Monterey County Coroner ruled her death natural, caused by probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder.

Strangulation marks reported earlier were determined to be postmortem insect activity, and a forehead injury was superficial and non-contributory.

Investigators found no evidence of crime after forensic examination, medical history review, and family interviews.