Last week, authorities recovered the bodies of three hikers who went missing after jumping into the icy waters of Rattlesnake Falls in California. The men, Matthew Schoenecker and Valentino Creus from Los Angeles, and Matthew Anthony from New York City, were part of a group exploring the remote Soda Springs area on June 18. While the others remained safe, these three failed to resurface after entering the water.
Rescue efforts faced severe challenges due to the rugged terrain, cold currents, and poor weather conditions. Rescue teams including the Placer County Sheriff’s Dive Team, CAL FIRE’s Technical Rescue Team, and the California Highway Patrol helicopter worked tirelessly for days. Volunteer diver Juan Heredia described the experience as brutal, navigating powerful water to bring the victims home, ensuring closure for grieving families.
Authorities expressed their deepest condolences to the families and friends, recognizing the profound impact of this tragic event on the community.
