Three hikers found dead after jumping into waterfall
Recovery of Three Missing Hikers at Rattlesnake Falls Confirmed
Keywords: Rattlesnake Falls tragedy, Soda Springs California, missing hikers recovered, Placer County Sheriff, search and rescue California, drowning accident, hiking accident, waterfall dangers, outdoor safety, California hiking deaths
California Hiking Tragedy: Bodies of Three Men Recovered After Deadly Fall
Authorities have confirmed the recovery of three young hikers who tragically went missing after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California, last week. What started as an adventurous outing ended in a devastating loss, shaking both the local community and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
The Victims Identified
The victims have been identified as:
Matthew Schoenecker, Los Angeles
Matthew Anthony, New York City
Valentino Creus, Los Angeles
The men were part of a larger hiking group exploring the remote terrain near Soda Springs on Wednesday, June 18. According to reports, the three men entered the water at Rattlesnake Falls and failed to resurface. The remaining group members, stranded in rugged and inaccessible terrain, had to be airlifted to safety the following day.
Challenging Rescue and Recovery Efforts
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly to the emergency call placed around 3 p.m. Wednesday. Multiple agencies participated in the intense search, including the Sheriff’s Dive Team, CAL FIRE’s Technical Rescue Team, and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter unit.
“This is an extremely remote and rugged area, which has made rescue efforts especially challenging,” authorities stated.
Poor weather and hazardous conditions forced temporary suspensions of the search on Thursday. However, rescue teams resumed limited operations on Friday, gradually escalating to a full-scale search by Sunday, June 22, as conditions allowed for more advanced equipment and personnel.
All Three Bodies Recovered
By Sunday, the sheriff’s office confirmed the recovery of all three victims. In a public statement, they extended their sympathies:
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Volunteer Diver Shares Harrowing Account
Volunteer diver Juan Heredia shared his emotional experience during the recovery mission in a widely circulated Facebook post. He described the physically demanding three-hour trek to reach the falls and the extreme force of the cascading water that made recovery efforts perilous.
“The waterfall was brutal. It kept pushing me down… but I wasn’t leaving without bringing those three souls home to their families,” Heredia wrote.
Without the dive team’s intervention, officials acknowledged, the bodies may not have surfaced for weeks due to the powerful currents.
“Three beautiful souls have been recovered. They can now be laid to rest, and their families can begin to heal,” Heredia added.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has deeply affected not only the victims’ families but also law enforcement, rescue teams, volunteers, and the larger community. The accident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by remote wilderness areas, especially around waterfalls and unpredictable water conditions.
Local authorities urge all hikers and outdoor adventurers to exercise extreme caution when exploring challenging terrains and to stay informed of weather conditions, especially during the summer months when sudden storms can change conditions rapidly.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Matthew Schoenecker, Matthew Anthony, and Valentino Creus during this difficult time.
