Key Point Summary – Horrific Triple Tragedy
- Three hikers jumped into Rattlesnake Falls and never resurfaced
- Victims identified as Valentino Creus, Matthew Schoenecker, and Matthew Anthony
- All were members of an academic organization and close friends
- Frigid water and strong currents delayed recovery for days
- Survivors hiked three hours to seek help
- Divers risked lives to recover bodies from 47 feet deep
- Officials warn against jumping into cold mountain waters
Joyful Hike Turns to Horror in California Wilderness
What began as a scenic outing into the forest ended in unspeakable tragedy. On June 18, six men hiked into the rugged backcountry near Soda Springs, California — a region described by authorities as “extremely remote and difficult to access.”
By the end of the day, three of them were gone.
The group had reached Rattlesnake Falls, a breathtaking but perilous spot tucked away in the Northern California wilderness. In a tragic twist, three of the men decided to cool off by leaping into the frigid waters. They never resurfaced.
Men Identified as Academic Advisors and Close Friends
The victims have been identified as:
- Valentino Creus, 50, of Los Angeles
- Dr. Matthew Schoenecker, 50, of Los Angeles
- Dr. Matthew Anthony, 44, of New York City
All three were members of the International Circle of Genetic Studies, a scientific advisory group. The organization issued a statement confirming the devastating loss of their colleagues, calling it a tragic accident and asking for prayers for the families.
Heartbroken Friend Shares Poetic Tribute
Creus’s friend, Matt Meeks, honored him in a touching Facebook tribute. “Val died as he lived,” he wrote, “riding that river all the way to Heaven alongside his friends.” The memory recalled a moment from Creus’s youth, highlighting his love of cool water and the deeper spiritual journey he embraced throughout his life.
Meeks remembered his late friend as “a true friend” and someone who always offered heartfelt advice.
Harsh Conditions Made Search and Rescue Nearly Impossible
The surviving hikers contacted authorities just before 3 p.m. that same day. But getting help wasn’t easy.
Rescue teams from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, CAL Fire, and California Highway Patrol launched a complex, multi-day mission. Crews had to hike more than three hours through harsh terrain. Cold water, strong currents, and low visibility delayed any chance of immediate recovery.
Winds grounded helicopters. Dive teams were pulled from the site repeatedly due to debris and dangerous conditions. Search efforts were suspended Thursday and continued in limited capacity until weather cleared by Sunday.
Diver Who Found the Bodies Shares Gut-Wrenching Details
Diver Juan Heredia, who volunteered to help, revealed chilling details in an emotional online post. He and fellow diver Josh Robinson hiked hours to reach the site and dove to 47 feet in freezing water.
“I did four dives — almost 3 minutes each,” Heredia wrote. “I wouldn’t leave without those 3 souls.”
Once he located the bodies, he alerted authorities at 9 p.m. and was stunned when a sheriff’s team agreed to hike out in the cold, dark night to retrieve the victims. “That… that’s having heart,” Heredia said.
His post called on the public to recognize the dedication of rescue workers and divers, urging families in similar situations to never give up hope.
A Deadly Reminder of Nature’s Risks
The tragedy has reignited warnings from Placer County officials, who urge the public to avoid jumping into local ponds, lakes, and waterfalls. Despite summer temperatures, snowmelt keeps many waterways icy cold.
According to safety experts, cold shock can cause an immediate loss of breathing control, muscle function, and consciousness — making even strong swimmers helpless.
The risk is especially high at secluded locations like Rattlesnake Falls, where emergency services can take hours or days to respond.
Community in Mourning as Investigation Continues
While the recovery effort has brought some closure, the shock remains. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has yet to release further details or respond to press inquiries.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the three men — not just as professionals, but as friends, mentors, and fathers. Their lives were united by friendship and a love of exploration. Their final moments, now forever tied to the haunting waters of Rattlesnake Falls.