Three adventurous souls embarked on a hike to California’s Rattlesnake Falls, a serene yet remote paradise, only for tragedy to strike, leaving them lifeless beneath the waters they dared to explore.
See the tweet below!
The tragic incident occurred as six friends from the International Circle of Genetic Studies set out for an adventurous hike near Soda Springs, California, just 26 miles from Lake Tahoe.
Among them were Matthew Anthony, Valentino Creus, and Matthew Schoenecker, whose leap into the waterfall’s seemingly tranquil pool cost them their lives.
The remaining hikers, alarmed when their friends did not resurface, called 911, setting off a substantial search and rescue operation.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received the report on June 18, leading to efforts involving CAL Fire, California Highway Patrol, and ground and aerial search units.
Rescuers faced numerous hurdles, including poor weather and treacherous currents, complicating the mission and delaying retrieval of the bodies until June 22.
The steep, challenging trail, described by the California Highway Patrol as “remote” and a “difficult trail,” only added to the complexity of the operation.
A local diver, Juan Heredia, played a crucial role in recovering the bodies despite the challenging conditions.
He expressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “We couldn’t wait. I knew it could take weeks to surface.”
His determination and expertise were vital in bringing closure to the grieving families.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that the bodies of the three men have been recovered,” the sheriff said.
The victims, who were active participants in connecting professors with students in genetics and molecular biology, have left a noticeable void in their community.
Their organization expressed profound sorrow, acknowledging the loss and the impact these men had on those around them.
Three men were hiking with a group Wednesday afternoon when they went underwater at Rattlesnake Falls and did not resurface. https://t.co/NOfxoJ0KcL
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) June 20, 2025
Rescue teams, including the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and CAL FIRE’s Technical Rescue Team, worked tirelessly despite setbacks, with a helicopter aiding in evacuating other group members due to the trail’s remote nature.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” said the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
