Three individuals were discovered deceased over the weekend following an extensive search and rescue operation at Rattlesnake Falls in California. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received a report on June 18 about the men entering the water in the Soda Springs area.
The victims were part of a hiking group that decided to jump into Rattlesnake Falls but tragically did not resurface. This incident triggered significant ground and aerial search efforts. The other members of the group were evacuated by helicopter on June 19 due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol.
Search operations persisted throughout the following week, but were hindered by adverse weather conditions and strong water currents. On June 22, the sheriff’s office confirmed that the bodies of the three men had been recovered, identifying them as Matthew Schoenecker from Los Angeles, Matthew Anthony from New York City, and Valentino Creus, also from Los Angeles. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” officials stated.
A volunteer diver involved in the rescue efforts shared on social media the challenges faced, revealing that he and another rescuer hiked for over three hours to reach the location and then performed several dives in the frigid water to assist in the operation. He expressed the urgency for closure for the families involved, noting, “We couldn’t wait. I knew it could take weeks to surface.”
This unfortunate incident highlights the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities and the importance of safety measures while engaging in adventurous hikes and water situations.