Fact Check: "Only three out of six hikers survived the trip to Rattlesnake Falls."
What We Know
On June 18, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California, where three out of six hikers drowned after jumping into the water. According to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, the three men who did not resurface were identified as Matthew Schoenecker, Valentino Creus, and Matthew Anthony, while the other three hikers in their group managed to survive and called for help using a satellite phone after the men failed to reappear (source-1, source-2). The recovery of the bodies was complicated by challenging terrain and hazardous water conditions, which delayed rescue efforts (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that "only three out of six hikers survived the trip to Rattlesnake Falls" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three hikers jumped into the water but did not resurface, while the remaining three hikers were evacuated safely (source-1, source-4). The incident was characterized as a "possible triple drowning," and the recovery of the bodies took several days due to the remote location and challenging conditions (source-2, source-6).
The sources used in this fact-check are reputable news organizations, such as The New York Times and Fox News, which are known for their journalistic integrity. The information provided aligns consistently across different reports, reinforcing the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. The evidence clearly indicates that three out of six hikers survived the trip to Rattlesnake Falls, while three others tragically drowned. The reports from multiple credible sources confirm the details of the incident, including the identities of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
