A tragic accident at Rattlesnake Falls in California’s Soda Springs area has left a community in mourning. On June 18, 2025, three men from a hiking group jumped into the waterfall and didn’t resurface, prompting a frantic call to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. The loss of these adventurers has brought sorrow to their families and those who tried to save them.
The sheriff’s office launched an all-out search, bringing in their dive team, search and rescue volunteers, CAL FIRE’s technical rescue unit, and a CHP helicopter. The falls’ remote location, with its rocky paths and steep drops, made every step a challenge. On June 19, the rest of the hiking party was rescued by helicopter, unable to safely leave the rugged area on their own.
The search faced setbacks from bad weather. On June 19, storms forced a pause, and efforts resumed cautiously on June 20, with aerial surveys planned when winds allowed. By June 22, improved conditions let the team return in full force, and they recovered the bodies of Matthew Schoenecker and Valentino Creus from Los Angeles, and Matthew Anthony from New York City, bringing closure to a painful wait.
The sheriff’s office shared heartfelt condolences, standing with the families in their grief. Volunteer diver Juan Heredia posted a powerful video online, showing the waterfall’s relentless currents that fought his team’s efforts. After a three-hour hike to the site, they brought the men home, a task Heredia said might have taken weeks without their dive. His words honored the “three beautiful souls” now at rest.
This tragedy has united the community in support of the families. The hikers’ memory lives on through the love they shared and the bravery of those who searched for them. As we reflect on this loss, let’s hold tight to the lessons of life’s fragility and the strength found in coming together to honor those we’ve lost.
