Investigators solve mystery of what caused marks on neck of naked hiker found dead at Big Sur

Published: 01:59, 22 April 2026 | Updated: 02:24, 22 April 2026 The mystery surrounding unusual markings on the neck of a hiker found naked and dead in California’s wilderness has now been solved, with officials revealing they were caused by bug bites.  Joanna Shields, 37, of Carlsbad, was found dead earlier this month along a remote Big Sur hiking trail, where she was discovered by a group of fellow hikers undressed and lying face down in a pool of water. The hikers reported suspicious markings on her neck and a gash on her head, prompting early speculation that she may have been strangled.  But authorities debunked that theory on Friday, revealing the markings were actually caused by insect activity, possibly ants.  'In this particular case, this person tragically had injuries that were consistent with injuries that would be caused by insects,' Andres Rosas, spokesperson for the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, told KSBW 8 News. 'So in this case, we're not looking at what they (the hikers) believed it was,' he added. 'We're looking at markings that were a result of insects.' Despite the findings, Rosas said her death continues to be treated as suspicious, with foul play not ruled in or out as investigators await pending toxicology results from the autopsy.  'I think if there was an obvious sign of death, we would have already been able to conclude or make a conclusion on that,' Rosas told the outlet. Joanna Shields, 37, was found dead with unusual markings around her neck in California's wilderness Shields was found along a remote Big Sur hiking trail, where she was discovered by a group of hikers undressed and lying face down in a pool of water Andres Rosas, spokesperson for the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, told KSBW that the markings were caused by insect activity, possibly ants 'But in this particular case, the examiner has determined that we need lab results from the toxicology in order to make that final determination,' he added.  On April 9, California State Parks officials and Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a dead body in a wooded area along the Pine Ridge Trail near Sykes Hot Springs in the Los Padres National Forest. A group on a two-night backcountry hike in the area made the grim discovery, with one hiker, Gabe Holmes, describing what he saw to KSBW. 'I didn't see any blood,' he said. 'She was pale. She had markings around her neck. I don't want to say, you know, choking marks, but when the firefighter lifted the jacket, he confirmed she had a big gash on her head.'  Another witness, Luke Heerma, told the outlet they had also encountered a person on the trail - described as cold and shaking - who claimed to be a friend of Shields.  Hiker John Heerma, describing Shields’ so-called friend, added: 'Scared, nervous, like shocked, his face just, like, numb and dull.' When questioned by the group about what happened, the man reportedly said Shields had been cleaning herself in the river. According to one of the hikers, the man responded: 'She went to the bathroom. She was cleaning herself off in the river around 10:30am.' Hikers that discovered Shields said that while they didn't see blood at the scene, she had a big gash on her head The hikers said they had encountered a person on the trail, who they described as cold and shaking, who claimed to be a friend of Shields Shields was found in a wooded area along the Pine Ridge Trail near Sykes Hot Springs in the Los Padres National Forest 'He went looking for her and then just saw her face down in the water, naked,' Luke told KSBW. With help from California Highway Patrol air operations, deputies recovered Shields’ body the following day and conducted a forensic medical examination, with results expected in six to eight weeks.  Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office said no one is in custody and there is no current threat to hikers or campers near Sykes Hot Springs.  The new information from authorities comes after several loved ones, including Shields’ sister, Claudia Robinson, confirmed her mysterious death in a public statement.  'We found out and we're all in different stages of grief as we attempt to process such a devastating blow to our hearts,' Robinson said, according to The New York Post. 'She was a bright, radiant light in the peak of experiencing her own joy and gratitude for her existence, and her absence on Earth will have a profound effect on countless numbers who had the opportunity to encounter her beautiful spirit,' she added. 'As my sister Rachel said, "This is the saddest sadness I have ever known."' Garrett Mail, who described himself as Shields’ best friend and credited her as a key influence in 'who I am today,' also shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook.  When questioned by the hikers about what happened, the man at the scene reportedly said Shields had been cleaning herself in the river just before The man at the scene said Shields went to the bathroom and cleaned herself off around 10:30am. When he went to look for her, he said he found her dead and naked in the water Her death is being treated as suspicious, with foul play not ruled in or out as investigators await pending toxicology results from the autopsy 'I honestly don’t have words for how devastating this is to me. Joanna literally formed who I am today as a person,' Mail wrote. 'She taught me how to be mindful, how to appreciate all forms of art, what unconditional love means, how to find positive perspective in all situations, how to be patient, when to be fierce and to never lose my sense of exploration or wonder,' he added. 'Joanna was the person to tell me to "Get off the phone with me and go ask your future wife on a date!" My life assuredly would’ve been completely different, had it not been for Joanna’s friendship.' Mail described Shields as deeply influential and adventurous, saying she found meaning in every journey 'with the right people around.' He also revealed that she had been planning a new chapter in her life, including launching a podcast aimed at helping others around the globe. 'Joanna was about to do something great,' he wrote. 'She was about to start a podcast to discuss things that she held dear to her in an attempt to help other people… She was about to help change the world.'  Shields was a brand ambassador for Evolve Skateboards and was frequently seen riding through the streets of San Diego on her own, documenting her hobby on social media.  'She just had great energy and she just loved riding,' Jeff Anning, owner and founder of Evolve Skateboards, told KABC News. Jeff Anning, owner of Evolve Skateboards, the company in which Shields was a brand ambassador, said she played a role in the growth of skating, especially among women With help from California Highway Patrol air operations, deputies recovered Shields’ body the following day The sheriff’s office said no one is in custody and there is no current threat to hikers or campers near Sykes Hot Springs According to Anning, her death not only rocked the skating community she had been part of for years, but also played a role in its growth, especially among women.  'She just had so much energy. She was just so passionate, so kind, and she was always putting other people first. She definitely touched a lot of people in her journey,' he told the outlet. 'We were getting more girls coming along to these group rides,' he added. 'It's what it's all about. She was very passionate about the sport.'   A GoFundMe set up for Shields’ family has raised more than $21,500 as of Tuesday evening, surpassing its $18,000 goal to help cover funeral and travel expenses.  'Joanna moved through this world with brightness and spontaneity - in love with nature, her family, her friends, and her constant journey of self development,' the fundraiser read. 'There was something so free about her… like she belonged to the wind and the sunshine,' it added. 'Tragically, she passed away in a backpacking accident, leaving her family and friends heartbroken.' 'From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your donation and words of comfort mean more than we can say as we grieve and make arrangements for our sweet Joanna.' Anyone with information that may be related to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Geng at 831-755-3700.  No comments have so far been submitted. 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