Fact Check: "Three hikers drown after jumping into California's Rattlesnake Falls."
What We Know
On June 18, 2025, three hikers jumped into the water at Rattlesnake Falls, located in Soda Springs, California, and did not resurface. The Placer County Sheriff's Office reported that the men were part of a larger hiking group and that the remaining members of the group contacted authorities for help after the three men failed to return. A multi-day search and rescue operation was launched, but efforts were hampered by challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, including strong currents and poor visibility due to debris (New York Times, USA Today). The bodies of the three men were eventually recovered on June 22, 2025, and they were identified as Matthew Schoenecker, Valentino Creus, and Matthew Anthony (NBC News, New York Post).
Analysis
The claim that three hikers drowned after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls is supported by multiple credible news sources. The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed the details of the incident, including the timeline of events and the identities of the deceased. The reports consistently describe the conditions at Rattlesnake Falls as hazardous, particularly during the time of year when snowmelt can lead to cold and swift currents (New York Times, USA Today).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include statements from official authorities such as the Placer County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the search and rescue operations. The reports also reflect a consensus among various news outlets, indicating that the information is corroborated across different platforms (NBC News, New York Post).
Conclusion
The claim that three hikers drowned after jumping into California's Rattlesnake Falls is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that the incident occurred as described, with the bodies of the hikers recovered after a search operation. The circumstances surrounding their deaths highlight the dangers associated with jumping into cold and fast-moving water, especially in remote areas.
