Three men have died after a failed rescue attempt at a California waterfall last week.
According to several statements by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the incident occurred at Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs on June 18 at around 3 PM. Officers responded to reports that three individuals entered the water but did not resurface. The Sheriff’s Office details multiple teams involved in the rescue effort, including divers and a helicopter unit. However, they stressed that the terrain was “extremely remote and difficult to access.” That evening, authorities found three other hikers who were reportedly in the same group.
Authorities resumed their search the following day on Thursday. The Sheriff’s Office once again stressed how unforgiving the area was as they were several miles into a “steep and difficult” hiking trail. Ultimately, they called the search off in the afternoon due to poor conditions. High winds made it dangerous to fly the helicopter. Debris and strong currents also hindered the diving operation. The rescue effort continued into the weekend, but authorities concluded their search on Sunday when they announced they found three bodies. PCSO posted, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Authorities Reveal The Hiker’s Identities
A report by the LA Times reveals the identities of the three hikers who drowned, citing the PCSO. Matthew Schoenecker, 53, Valentino Creus, 59, and Matthew Anthony, 44. The outlet explains that Juan Heredia, a diver with the Angels Recover Dive Team, located the bodies. He was reportedly hired by a family friend to assist in the search.
Heredia reportedly said Creus was the group’s least experienced diver and initially hesitated before jumping in. He started to struggle, prompting Schoenecker, a high-school diving champion, to dive in after him. Anthony also jumped into the water to help, but none of them made it out.
Matt Meeks, a long-time friend of Creus, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook. He wrote, “The two other men – Matt Schoenecker and Matt Anthony – who died with him, died laying down their lives for each other. They didn’t hesitate. Val died as he lived – riding that river all the way to Heaven alongside his friends. I sure do miss him.”