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Tragedy at Rattlesnake Falls: Three Hikers Lost in California Waterfall Incident
A close-knit community in California is grappling with sorrow after a fatal accident at Rattlesnake Falls claimed the lives of three hikers last week.
The men disappeared beneath the powerful waters after jumping into the falls, sparking an intense search and rescue operation that ended with the heartbreaking recovery of their bodies.
Three Hikers Vanish at Rattlesnake Falls
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths of Matthew Schoenecker and Valentino Creus, both from Los Angeles, and Matthew Anthony from New York City, after they failed to resurface following a jump into Rattlesnake Falls on June 18, 2025.
The trio was part of a larger hiking group navigating the remote and rugged Soda Springs area when the tragedy unfolded. Reports indicate that the three men entered the waterfall’s currents but were swept under, prompting immediate alarm among their companions.
Due to the challenging terrain, the rest of the group required airlift assistance and were rescued by helicopter the following day.
Coordinated Rescue Efforts Amid Harsh Conditions
The emergency response was swift. At approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, local authorities launched a large-scale search effort involving the Sheriff’s Dive Team, CAL FIRE’s Technical Rescue Team, and a CHP helicopter unit.
Officials noted the extreme difficulty of operations in such a remote and rugged location. Harsh weather forced a temporary suspension of the search on Thursday, but as conditions improved, limited efforts resumed on Friday, and a full-scale recovery mission was reinstated on Sunday, June 22.
Later that day, authorities confirmed the recovery of the three men’s bodies.
Voices from the Rescue: A Volunteer Diver’s Story
Volunteer diver Juan Heredia shared his experience of the recovery mission on Facebook, providing a sobering glimpse into the harsh realities of the search.
He recounted a grueling three-hour hike to reach the falls and described the unrelenting force of the waterfall during his dive.
“The current was brutal—it pushed me down repeatedly—but I was determined to bring these men home,” Heredia wrote. “Without our efforts, their bodies might have remained lost for weeks.”
He honored the men as “three beautiful souls” and expressed hope that their recovery would allow their families to begin the healing process.
A Community United in Grief
This tragedy has left a profound mark on the local community, first responders, and the families of the deceased. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this devastating loss.”
As friends and relatives begin the difficult journey toward healing, the memories of Matthew Schoenecker, Matthew Anthony, and Valentino Creus live on, carried by a community bound together in mourning and remembrance.
Conclusion: Remembering the Lost, Supporting the Bereaved
The loss of these three young men at Rattlesnake Falls is a somber reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the risks inherent in outdoor adventures. As loved ones and community members mourn, they also draw strength from one another, honoring the lives of Matthew, Matthew, and Valentino with shared grief and enduring support.