Sally Menke, 56, long time film editor to Quentin Tarantino, was found dead near Griffith Park in Los Angeles. According to law enforcement, Menke had gone for a hike with her dog and a hiking buddy around 9am on Monday. Her friend turned back about an hour later, Menke decided to trek on with her dog. Friends and family of Menke called authorities around 4pm when Menke did not return home.
Monday saw record breaking heat in Los Angeles, with the downtown National Weather Service’s thermometer hitting 113 degrees at about 12:15pm before it broke, giving no more readings, so the temperature, according to the NWS, could have even been higher. Law Enforcement Officials believe the heat could have played a factor in her death.
Menke’s body was found Tuesday morning at around 2am at the bottom of a ravine in Bronson Canyon. Her dog was found alive sitting next to her body. Sources close to theĀ investigationĀ believe the heat played a factor, that she may have become disorientated and collapsed. Ed Winter, Asst. Chief of the Los Angeles County Coroners Office, said the office is investigating whether the heat played a role in her death.
YakkityYaks would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Menke’s friends and family.
Sally J. Menke – 1953-2010