Three hikers have died after jumping into a California waterfall to cool off, and never resurfacing.
On June 18, six adventurers began a hike deep into the woods near Soda Springs. They took on a trail described by officials as ‘extremely remote and difficult to access’.
During the journey, three of the hikers decided to jump into Rattlesnake Falls, leaving three others behind.
The individuals in the water did not reappear. Their bodies were recovered on Monday after a three-day search. Before 3 pm, the remaining hikers reached out to local authorities for assistance.
The men have been identified as Valentino Creus, 50, from Los Angeles, Matthew Schoenecker, 50, also from Los Angeles, and Matthew Anthony, 44, from New York City.
‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the bodies of the three men have been recovered,’ they said in their statement.
‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.’
Authorities sent the Sheriff’s Office’s dive team (pictured), Search and Rescue Units, CAL Fire’s technical rescue team and California Highway Patrol’s helicopter
Three hikers plunged into Rattlesnake Falls (pictured) on June 18 and disappeared below the surface
All three men worked and volunteered for academic organization The International Circle of Genetic Studies, that wrote a statement following the news: ‘We regret to inform you that three of our advisors passed away last Wednesday June 18th, 2025 in ac accident near San Francisco.
‘Their names are Dr. Mathew Schoenecker, Dr. Mathew Anthony and Val Creus, M.S. REQUIESCAM IN PACEM!!!! We give pour sympathy to their families.’
The rescue required California Highway Patrol Helicopters to help evacuate the remaining three men from the rough terrain. The location of which ‘made rescue efforts especially challenging,’ according to the Place County Sheriff’s Office.
The remote area required a three hour hike to reach. Authorities sent the Sheriff’s Office’s dive team, Search and Rescue Units, CAL Fire’s technical rescue team and California Highway Patrol’s helicopter.
A helicopter ushered the three survivors back to safety on Wednesday evening, but the vanished hikers were left unfound for days after.
To make matters worse, search efforts were tampered by gusty winds and low visibility, drawing out the process even further.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, searching operations were suspended Thursday ‘due to poor underwater visibility caused by debris and strong currents.’
They said: ‘Additionally, increasing winds this afternoon have made flying conditions unsafe. Dive team members have been flown back to the command post to conclude efforts for the evening.’
Then, on Friday, visibility continued to be poor.
The Sheriff’s Office wrote: ‘The search efforts will continue in a limited but ongoing capacity.
‘Over the next few days, and as wind conditions allow, aerial surveys of the location and overall area will be conducted.
‘Once conditions improve, anticipated by Sunday, a coordinated plan is in place to return to the site with enhanced equipment and support from mutual aid partners to further the search efforts.’
By Sunday, conditions finally cleared and the team was able to locate the bodies. By then they were lifeless in the frigid water.
Local diver Juan Heredia posted online saying he was with the team who found the men’s bodies.
He wrote: ‘I found them!! The family no longer has to wait in agony!!
‘That waterfall was brutal. He was pushing me hard… but I wouldn’t leave without those 3 souls.
‘Josh Robinson and I hiked over 3 hours just to get to that pose 47 feet deep. I did four dives — almost 3 minutes each — with ice water, and very deep. But we couldn’t wait. I knew it could take weeks to surface. Families needed to close this chapter already.
‘When we finally got signal and called the Sheriff, it was already 9pm. What surprised me was the sergeant’s response: “We’re going to send a team to walk right now to take care of the bodies.”
‘At 9 o’clock at night. With a cold. Dark. That… that’s having heart.
‘Please share this post. Families shouldn’t wait for days. If they knew there are people willing to help — divers, volunteers, even officers walking in the dark — they might have answers much sooner.’
Local first responders conducted search efforts over several days
Search efforts were tampered by gusty winds, making Fire and Rescue teams unable to fly helicopters needed for rescue
Placer County has advised against plunging into local ponds, lakes, and waterfalls for fear of incidents like this one.
According to their website, melting snow in northern California can leave water temperatures ‘dangerously cold’ even as the seasons change.
Placer County has warned individuals wishing to enjoy waterways to take extra precaution, regardless of the season.
Jumping into frigid waters could cause cold shock which results in ‘a rapid loss of breathing control, increased heart rate and a gasp reflex.’ Or hypothermia, a ‘dangerous drop in body temperature that can lead to unconsciousness and even death.’
Both of these side effects make it more difficult to swim or breathe, leading to drowning in low-temperature waterways like Rattlesnake Falls.
The Placer County Sheriff’s department has yet to release the names of the individuals or any further details on the incident.
Daily Mail reached out to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
