Fact Check: "Three hikers drown after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls in California."
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, identified as Matthew Schoenecker, 50, Valentino Creus, 59, both from Los Angeles, and Matthew Anthony, 44, from New York City, were part of a group of six hikers. The remaining three hikers contacted authorities via satellite phone after the men failed to reappear (New York Times, RGJ).
The area is known for its challenging terrain and cold water conditions, particularly during the snowmelt season, which creates hazardous situations for swimmers (New York Times, USA Today). Rescue operations were complicated by poor visibility and strong currents, leading to a multi-day search effort that included divers and helicopters (Fox News, SFGate). The bodies of the three men were eventually recovered on June 23, 2025 (NBC News, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that three hikers drowned after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls is supported by multiple credible sources. The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident and the identities of the deceased, providing a reliable account of the events leading to their deaths (New York Times, RGJ).
The reports consistently describe the conditions at Rattlesnake Falls as treacherous, emphasizing the cold water temperatures and strong currents that contributed to the drowning. Witness accounts and the sheriff's office statements corroborate the timeline and details of the incident, including the use of a satellite phone for emergency assistance (Fox News, USA Today).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include statements from law enforcement and eyewitness accounts, which are typically considered credible in reporting on such incidents. The coverage from major news outlets like the New York Times and NBC News adds to the credibility of the information, as these organizations adhere to journalistic standards for fact-checking and source verification.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that three hikers drowned after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls in California is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm the incident, detailing the circumstances surrounding the drowning and the subsequent recovery of the bodies. The consistency of the reports and the involvement of local authorities further validate the claim.
Sources
- Bodies of 3 Hikers Who Jumped in Water Near Lake Tahoe Are Recovered
- 3 hikers identified in fatal waterfall dive near Lake Tahoe
- Three men found dead after waterfall tragedy in remote California
- 3 men dead after jumping into water at California's Rattlesnake Falls
- A diver recovered 3 bodies from a deadly, 'brutal' Calif. waterfall
- Three hikers found dead after they jumped into California waterfall
- Bodies recovered of 3 hikers who went missing in water near Rattlesnake
