Fact Check: "Three men jumped into a waterfall and never resurfaced."
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, the bodies of three hikers were recovered after they jumped into the water at Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California, and did not resurface. The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the men, part of a group of six, jumped into the water on Wednesday but failed to return. The remaining three hikers contacted authorities using a satellite phone around 3 p.m. after the men did not reappear (New York Times, CBS News).
The search for the men was complicated by challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, leading to the suspension of rescue efforts on Thursday due to poor underwater visibility and strong currents (CBS News). Ultimately, the bodies were located on Sunday, and they were identified as Matthew Schoenecker, Valentino Creus, and Matthew Anthony (NBC Chicago).
Analysis
The claim that "three men jumped into a waterfall and never resurfaced" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Placer County Sheriff's Office, a reliable authority in this matter, confirmed the incident and the subsequent recovery of the bodies (New York Times, CBS News). The details provided by these sources indicate that the men were part of a hiking group and that their disappearance was reported promptly to emergency services.
The sources used in this fact-check include reputable news organizations such as the New York Times, CBS News, and NBC Chicago, all of which have a track record of responsible reporting. The information is consistent across these outlets, which enhances the reliability of the claim.
While the specific causes of death are still under investigation, the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and the subsequent recovery of their bodies align with the claim made.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that three men jumped into a waterfall and never resurfaced is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including official statements from the Placer County Sheriff's Office. The details surrounding the incident, including the actions taken by the remaining hikers and the recovery efforts, confirm the accuracy of the claim.
