PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA— Three men have been found dead following a multi-day search and rescue mission at Rattlesnake Falls in California.
The tragic accident occurred when the hikers jumped into the waterfall but failed to resurface, prompting an intense search by authorities and volunteers.
The Incident: A Deadly Jump into Rattlesnake Falls
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received a report on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, about three men who had entered the water near Rattlesnake Falls in the Soda Springs area. The men, part of a hiking group, decided to jump into the waterfall, but they failed to resurface, triggering a ground and aerial search operation.
Due to the remote location and difficult terrain, the rescue efforts were complicated.
On June 19, the other members of the hiking group were evacuated by helicopter to safety with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol. The area’s challenging landscape made it difficult for rescue teams to access the site immediately.
Search and Rescue Operations: A Tough Mission
The search operation began immediately after the men went missing, but efforts were slowed by weather conditions and strong currents. The search was further complicated by the remote nature of the area and the treacherous conditions.
A volunteer diver, Juan Heredia, who was involved in the recovery mission, described the effort on social media.
In a Facebook post, Heredia shared that he and another diver had to hike for over three hours to reach the location before entering the “ice-cold” water multiple times. He noted the urgency of recovering the bodies for the families’ closure.
“We couldn’t wait. I knew it could take weeks to surface. Families needed to close this chapter already,” Heredia wrote. He also recalled a conversation with the sheriff’s office sergeant who responded, “‘We’re going to send a team to walk right now to take care of the bodies.’”
Recovery and Identification of the Victims
After a prolonged search effort, the bodies of the three men were finally recovered on June 22. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery of the bodies and identified the men as Matthew Schoenecker of Los Angeles, Matthew Anthony of New York City, and Valentino Creus of Los Angeles.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The Location: Soda Springs Area, Near Lake Tahoe
The Soda Springs area is located approximately 26 miles from Lake Tahoe, known for its beautiful but hazardous natural features. While popular with hikers and adventurers, the location’s challenging terrain and swift water currents make it a high-risk area for those unfamiliar with its dangers.
What’s Next: Ongoing Efforts and Safety Warnings
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural bodies of water, particularly waterfalls, which can have swift and unpredictable currents. Placer County authorities continue to urge visitors to stay cautious near waterfalls and rivers, especially in areas with strong currents or hazardous conditions.
As the families of the victims process their grief, authorities and safety experts continue to work on educating the public about the risks of such dangerous stunts and the importance of heeding safety warnings when exploring outdoor areas.
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on the tragic deaths of these hikers? Do you think more should be done to warn visitors about the dangers of waterfalls and other natural hazards? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
