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Autopsy Scheduled for Film Editor Who Died While Hiking; Extreme Heat Considered Possible Factor in Her Death

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Menke, left, with Tarantino (via Cinema Blend)

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An autopsy is scheduled for today for Sally Menke, the 56-year-old award-winning film editor who died while hiking Monday on rugged terrain in Griffith Park.Menke's body was found north of the 5500 block of Green Oak Drive, with her "loyal Labrador retriever" at her side, the LAPD explain in an emailed release.

The film editor, whose work includes most of director Quentin Tarantino's films, had been hiking with a friend Monday morning, as temps were already being logged in the 90s. "They had a 16-ounce bottle of water and had been walking for about 45 minutes when Menke, who had a history of seizures, complained of dizziness and said she would return to her car," reports cbs2.

"It appears Menke had become disoriented due to the extreme heat," note the LAPD, "which was possibly a contributing factor in her death, but the official cause of death will be determined by the Coroner’s Office."

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