Matthew Anthony, Matthew Schoenecker, and Valentine Creus die in fatal Soda Springs hiking incident
Fatal Soda Springs hiking incident deaths of Matthew Anthony, Matthew Schoenecker, and Valentine Creus
Three men tragically lost their lives after jumping into the water near Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California last Wednesday afternoon. Authorities from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office have identified the victims as 44-year-old Matthew Anthony of New York City, 50-year-old Matthew Schoenecker of Los Angeles, and 59-year-old Valentine Creus, also of Los Angeles.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. while the three men were hiking with a group of six. After entering the water, none of the three resurfaced, prompting an immediate emergency response. The rugged and steep terrain made conditions dangerous for both the hikers and rescuers.
The remaining three hikers in the group were evacuated the same day by a California Highway Patrol helicopter. Rescue teams returned on Thursday with dive personnel flown in by helicopter to begin recovery efforts, but operations were slowed by adverse wind conditions on Friday.
Efforts resumed in full once weather improved over the weekend, and by Sunday morning, the bodies of all three missing hikers were successfully recovered. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced the recovery with a message of condolence, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
The drowning deaths of Anthony, Schoenecker, and Creus have deeply impacted their communities on both coasts. The men had been exploring
