Three people were found dead over the weekend following a multi-day search and rescue mission at Rattlesnake Falls in California.
On Wednesday, June 18, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office received a report about the individuals entering the water in the Soda Springs area, according to a news release.
Officials learned that the missing men were part of a hiking group when they decided to jump into Rattlesnake Falls and failed to resurface, prompting ground and aerial search efforts.
The other men who were with them were evacuated via helicopter on June 19 because the area is “remote” and a “difficult trail.” California Highway Patrol assisted with this rescue.
‘Heartfelt condolences’
Deputies said search operations continued throughout the week, but were disrupted due to weather conditions and strong currents.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced on June 22 that “the bodies of the three men have been recovered.”
They have been identified as Matthew Schoenecker of Los Angeles, Matthew Anthony of New York City, and Valentino Creus of Los Angeles, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” the statement continued.
A volunteer diver involved in the mission said in a Facebook post that he and another person had to hike for more than three hours to get to the area before diving into the “ice water” several times.
“We couldn’t wait. I knew it could take weeks to surface. Families needed to close this chapter already,” Juan Heredia wrote, adding that they called the sheriff’s office around 9 p.m.
“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,'” the post continued.
Soda Springs is approximately 26 miles from Lake Tahoe.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
