Valentine Creus dies in fatal Soda Springs hiking incident
Fatal Soda Springs hiking incident death of Valentine Creus
Valentine Creus, 59, of Los Angeles, was one of three men who lost their lives after jumping into water near Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California, last Wednesday. His death was confirmed by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office following a multi-day search and recovery effort.
Creus was part of a six-person hiking group exploring the area when he, along with 44-year-old Matthew Anthony of New York City and 50-year-old Matthew Schoenecker of Los Angeles, entered the water around 3 p.m. All three men disappeared beneath the surface and never reemerged.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges due to the area’s remote and rugged terrain. A California Highway Patrol helicopter was used to airlift the remaining three hikers to safety. Dive teams were flown in the next day to begin recovery operations, but strong winds on Friday limited search activities.
Crews resumed work over the weekend, and by Sunday morning, the bodies of Creus and the two other victims were successfully recovered. The sheriff’s office issued a public message expressing their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic event.
Valentine Creus’s death has left a lasting impact on those who knew him. What began as a recreational hike in the scenic wilderness of Soda Springs ended in heartbreak for his hiking companions, friends, and family. Authorities continue to remind the public of the unpredictable dangers that natural bodies of water can present, even in seemingly calm outdoor settings.
