Authorities in California have confirmed the recovery of three hikers who tragically lost their lives after entering the waters at Rattlesnake Falls in the remote Soda Springs area last week. The men—identified as Matthew Schoenecker from Los Angeles, Matthew Anthony from New York City, and Valentino Creus, also of Los Angeles—were part of a larger group hiking through the rugged backcountry on Wednesday, June 18.
According to initial reports, the three men entered the water at Rattlesnake Falls and did not resurface. Their disappearance immediately triggered concern among their fellow hikers, who were left stranded in the isolated and unforgiving terrain. The rest of the group had no choice but to await rescue, which came the following day via helicopter extraction due to the impassable nature of the terrain and the urgency of the situation.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received the emergency call around 3 p.m. on Wednesday and wasted no time initiating a large-scale search and rescue operation. The effort quickly grew to include multiple agencies, including the Sheriff’s Dive Team, CAL FIRE’s specialized Technical Rescue Team, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter unit. From the outset, the mission was hampered by the sheer remoteness of the area, coupled with its rugged landscape and unpredictable environmental hazards.
Officials noted early on that rescue operations would be especially challenging due to the terrain’s isolated nature. The area surrounding Rattlesnake Falls is known for its steep, slippery surfaces and swift currents, making any kind of water rescue inherently dangerous. Despite the difficult conditions, search crews worked tirelessly to find the missing hikers, navigating the sharp cliffs and powerful waterways.
On Thursday, worsening weather and increasingly hazardous conditions forced authorities to temporarily suspend the full search operation. Heavy rainfall and unsafe river flow levels made it impossible for divers and search teams to safely continue their work. Nevertheless, limited efforts resumed on Friday as weather conditions began to show slight improvement. Crews remained committed, continuing to scour the area and prepare for a more extensive search once circumstances permitted.
By Sunday, June 22, weather and terrain conditions had improved enough to allow for the return of a full-scale search effort. This phase of the operation brought enhanced equipment and additional support from various mutual aid partners. Helicopters, ground crews, and expert divers returned to the falls with renewed determination to recover the missing hikers and bring closure to their families.
Later that same day, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the heartbreaking news: all three bodies had been recovered from the waters of Rattlesnake Falls. In a statement shared with the public, the department extended its deepest sympathies, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.” The community’s collective grief was palpable, as the tragic event resonated far beyond the hikers’ immediate circles.
Juan Heredia, a volunteer diver involved in the recovery efforts, provided a firsthand account of the emotional and physical toll the mission demanded. In a Facebook post, he described the arduous hike—over three hours through unforgiving terrain—to reach the site. The falls, he said, were overwhelming in their force, making the diving process extremely dangerous. “The waterfall was brutal. It kept pushing me down,” he wrote, highlighting the sheer power of the current. But he was undeterred. “I wasn’t leaving without bringing those three souls home to their families.”
Heredia also emphasized the urgency of their mission, noting that if it weren’t for their intervention, the bodies might not have surfaced for weeks—if at all. “Three beautiful souls have been recovered,” he concluded in his post. “They can now be laid to rest, and their families can begin to heal.”
The tragedy has left a deep emotional impact on the local community, the rescue teams, and all those involved. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, volunteer divers, and even residents of the surrounding areas have joined together in mourning the loss of three young lives taken too soon. Candlelight vigils, social media tributes, and emotional expressions of solidarity have emerged as grieving families navigate this painful chapter.
For many involved in the rescue and recovery mission, the incident served as a sobering reminder of the dangers present in nature—even for experienced hikers. Rattlesnake Falls, while beautiful, is notorious for its unpredictable currents and treacherous surroundings. Though often visited by thrill-seekers and adventurers, the site has seen multiple incidents over the years that underscore the need for caution and respect when exploring remote natural locations.
The collaborative effort between different agencies during the search operation highlighted the importance of unity and swift coordination in the face of tragedy. The Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE, CHP, and numerous volunteers demonstrated unwavering dedication, despite extreme challenges and risks to their own safety. Their commitment was not only a testament to their professionalism but also a reflection of the compassion and humanity that define such operations.
As families begin to make arrangements and the community processes this devastating loss, conversations about hiking safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental awareness have come to the forefront. While no words or actions can undo the sorrow brought on by this incident, the hope is that lessons learned can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Matthew Schoenecker, Matthew Anthony, and Valentino Creus are being remembered as vibrant individuals who shared a love for the outdoors and adventure. Tributes from friends and family describe them as kind, passionate, and full of life. Their untimely passing has served as a poignant reminder of both the beauty and the unforgiving power of nature.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, communities across California and beyond have rallied around the victims’ families, offering comfort, donations, and messages of support. While the pain of their loss will linger, the collective effort to honor their memory stands as a powerful symbol of unity, compassion, and resilience in the face of tragedy.
