Oscar-nominated film editor Sally Menke, 56, was found dead early Tuesday after going hiking Monday at 9 a.m. with her dog and a friend in the scorching Los Angeles heat. The friend left after deciding it was too hot.
When Menke didn’t return home Monday night, friends contacted police. Search dogs, an LAPD helicopter and officers on foot scoured the park looking for her. She was found in Beachwood Canyon about 2 a.m.
Her locked car was discovered in a Griffith Park parking lot. Menke’s dog was found alive, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Ed Winter, the assistant chief of the Los Angeles County of the Coroner office told reporters, “It did not appear to be foul play. Possibly natural. We’re not making any determination until we’re able to find out her medical history and conduct an autopsy.” The autopsy will likely occur Wednesday or Thursday, he said.
The award-winning film editor worked on such movies as “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill” and “Jackie Brown.”