Overview

• On June 18, three hikers jumped into the pool beneath Rattlesnake Falls near Soda Springs and failed to resurface.
• Search efforts by Placer County dive teams, Cal Fire and CHP were hindered by strong currents, underwater debris and high winds.
• Divers located the bodies on June 22 and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office identified them on June 23 as Valentino Creus, Matthew Schoenecker and Matthew Anthony.
• Placer County officials warned that snowmelt had driven water temperatures to life-threatening levels, raising the risk of cold shock drowning.
• The three other hikers were evacuated by CHP helicopter on the evening of the incident after reporting their friends missing.