Three Hikers Found Dead After Jumping Into Rattlesnake Falls in California

Three people were found dead over the weekend following a multi-day search and rescue mission at Rattlesnake Falls in California.

Three men were found dead following a multi-day search and rescue mission at Rattlesnake Falls in the remote Soda Springs area of Placer County, California.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received a report on Wednesday, June 18, indicating that several individuals had entered the water at Rattlesnake Falls and failed to resurface. The missing men were part of a hiking group and had jumped into the falls before disappearing beneath the surface, prompting a large-scale ground and aerial search.

Due to the area’s remoteness and treacherous terrain, the remaining members of the hiking party were airlifted out by helicopter on June 19 with assistance from the California Highway Patrol. Search efforts were significantly hindered by dangerous currents and adverse weather conditions throughout the week.

On Saturday, June 22, the sheriff’s office confirmed that the bodies of all three missing hikers had been recovered. They were identified as Matthew Schoenecker and Valentino Creus, both of Los Angeles, and Matthew Anthony of New York City.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Volunteer diver Juan Heredia, who participated in the recovery mission, described the grueling conditions faced during the operation. According to a social media post, Heredia and another diver hiked over three hours to reach the site and performed multiple dives in frigid water to help locate the victims. He said the urgency of bringing closure to the families drove their determination.

“We couldn’t wait. I knew it could take weeks to surface. Families needed to close this chapter already,” Heredia wrote, noting that they contacted authorities after locating the bodies late in the evening.

Soda Springs, the site of the tragedy, is located roughly 26 miles from Lake Tahoe and is known for its rugged wilderness, making rescues particularly difficult.