Horrific triple tragedy after three hikers jumped into stunning California waterfall

Daily Mail​

23-06-2025

Bodies have been recovered after three men jumped into a California waterfall and never resurfaced.
On June 18, six outdoorsmen set out on a hike several miles into the woods near Soda Springs. They embarked on what officials have said was an 'extremely remote and difficult to access' trail.
During the journey, three of the hikers plunged into Rattlesnake Falls and did not resurface, completely vanishing beneath the freezing water. Shortly before 3 pm, the remaining hikers contacted local authorities for help.
After four days of searching, with major setbacks thanks to weather and wind conditions, the missing bodies were recovered and the Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed their deaths.
'It is with heavy hearts that we share the bodies of the three men have been recovered,' they said in their statement.
'Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.'
The rescue required California Highway Patrol Helicopters to help evacuate the remaining three men from the rough terrain. The location of which 'made rescue efforts especially challenging,' according to the Place County Sheriff's Office.
The remote area required a three hour hike to reach. Authorities sent the Sheriff's Office's dive team, Search and Rescue Units, CAL Fire's technical rescue team and California Highway Patrol's helicopter.
A helicopter ushered the three survivors back to safety on Wednesday evening, but the vanished hikers were left unfound for days after.
To make matters worse, search efforts were tampered by gusty winds and low visibility, drawing out the process even further.
According to the Sheriff's Office, searching operations were suspended Thursday 'due to poor underwater visibility caused by debris and strong currents.'
They said: 'Additionally, increasing winds this afternoon have made flying conditions unsafe. Dive team members have been flown back to the command post to conclude efforts for the evening.'
Then, on Friday, visibility continued to be poor. The Sheriff's Office wrote: 'The search efforts will continue in a limited but ongoing capacity. Over the next few days, and as wind conditions allow, aerial surveys of the location and overall area will be conducted.
'Once conditions improve, anticipated by Sunday, a coordinated plan is in place to return to the site with enhanced equipment and support from mutual aid partners to further the search efforts.'
By Sunday, conditions finally cleared and the team was able to locate the bodies. By then they were lifeless in the frigid water.
Placer County has advised against plunging into local ponds, lakes, and waterfalls for fear of incidents like this one.
According to their website, melting snow in northern California can leave water temperatures 'dangerously cold' even as the seasons change.
Placer County has warned individuals wishing to enjoy waterways to take extra precaution, regardless of the season.
Jumping into frigid waters could cause cold shock which results in 'a rapid loss of breathing control, increased heart rate and a gasp reflex.' Or hypothermia, a 'dangerous drop in body temperature that can lead to unconsciousness and even death.'
Both of these side effects make it more difficult to swim or breathe, leading to drowning in low-temperature waterways like Rattlesnake Falls.
The Placer County Sheriff's department has yet to release the names of the individuals or any further details on the incident.