Three Men Drown at Remote Waterfall in Placer County

Three men have been confirmed dead after drowning at Rattlesnake Falls, a remote and rugged hiking destination near Soda Springs in Placer County.

The incident began last Wednesday when a group of six hikers reported that three members of their party had jumped into the water and disappeared. Emergency crews from Cal Fire, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office dive team, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter were dispatched to the scene, which officials described as “extremely remote and difficult to access.”

Challenging conditions, including strong currents and high winds, delayed recovery efforts over several days. Helicopters were unable to fly safely at times, further complicating the search.

On Sunday, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced that all three bodies had been found. They were identified Monday as Valentino Creus, 50, and Matthew Schoenecker, 50, both of Los Angeles, and Matthew Anthony, 44, of New York City.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the bodies of the three men have been recovered,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”