Fact Check: "Three hikers jumped into a waterfall but never resurfaced."
What We Know
On June 18, 2025, three hikers jumped into the water at Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California, and did not resurface. This incident involved a group of six men who were hiking together. After the three men failed to return, the remaining hikers used a satellite phone to call 9-1-1 around 3 p.m. to report the situation. The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a search and rescue operation was initiated, which included the deployment of a California Highway Patrol helicopter and dive teams from the sheriff's office (New York Times, CBS News).
The search was complicated by challenging terrain and hazardous water conditions due to snowpack melt, which made the water cold and dangerous. Rescue efforts were hampered by poor visibility and strong currents, leading to a suspension of operations on Thursday, June 19. The bodies of the three men were eventually recovered on June 21, 2025, approximately 35 feet underwater (NBC News, RGJ).
Analysis
The claim that "three hikers jumped into a waterfall but never resurfaced" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Placer County Sheriff's Office provided official statements confirming the sequence of events, including the hikers' jump into the water and their subsequent disappearance. The sheriff's office also detailed the challenges faced during the search operation, such as rough terrain and hazardous water conditions, which are corroborated by reports from news outlets like CBS and NBC (CBS News, NBC News).
The reliability of the sources is strong, as they include statements from local authorities and established news organizations. The New York Times and CBS News are reputable outlets known for their journalistic integrity, which adds credibility to the information presented. Furthermore, the details regarding the recovery of the bodies and the identification of the deceased hikers were consistent across multiple reports, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim (New York Times, RGJ).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that three hikers jumped into a waterfall and never resurfaced is accurate. This is supported by multiple credible sources, including official statements from the Placer County Sheriff's Office and coverage from reputable news organizations. The tragic outcome of the incident, including the recovery of the bodies, confirms the veracity of the claim.
