Name of deceased hiker released

BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST- The hiker who died while in the Sipsey Wilderness area Thursday, March 10, has been identified as Brandy Shipman, 42, of Jasper, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Winston County Coroner Tracey Holley. Holley confirmed Shipman died of natural causes.

Her body was transported from the trails, about 15 minutes into her hike, by a stokes basket provided by the U.S. Forest Service and transported from the scene by the coroner to the coroner's office in Haleyville, Holley said. The body was then released to Collins-Burke Funeral Home of Jasper for arrangements, Holley added.

Multiple agencies converged Thursday afternoon, March 10, at the Sipsey hiking trails located off Cranal Road in the Bankhead National Forest.  Agencies responding to the scene included the Winston County Sheriff's Office, Haleyville Rescue Squad, U.S. Forest Service, Alabama Game and Fish, Regional Paramedical Service Ambulance, the Winston County Coroner's Office, Pebble Volunteer Fire Department and Ashridge Volunteer Fire Department.