Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found dead near Sykes Hot Springs in California’s Ventana Wilderness after going to a river while hiking with friends. Although early speculation considered foul play, the coroner concluded that her death was probably caused by alcohol-withdrawal seizures linked to chronic alcohol use disorder, highlighting a potentially fatal risk that may be overlooked when heavy drinking stops suddenly.

Friends said Shields had gone to the river on the morning of her death and was later found unresponsive in the water. Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, delirium and other serious complications, particularly in people with long-term heavy alcohol use; medical experts generally advise seeking supervised treatment rather than abruptly stopping without support.