Fact Check: Three Remaining Hikers Airlifted Out of Treacherous Terrain
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three hikers were airlifted from a remote area near Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California, after a tragic incident involving three other hikers who had jumped into the water and did not resurface. The remaining hikers used a satellite phone to call for help when their companions failed to return, prompting a search and rescue operation that involved multiple agencies, including a California Highway Patrol helicopter for the airlift of the remaining hikers (New York Times, NBC News).
The area surrounding Rattlesnake Falls is known for its challenging terrain and hazardous conditions, particularly due to cold water temperatures resulting from snowpack melt during this time of year (New York Times). The search for the three missing hikers was complicated by poor visibility and strong currents, leading to the suspension of rescue efforts at times (NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that "three remaining hikers airlifted out of treacherous terrain" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office provided detailed accounts of the rescue operation, confirming that a helicopter was utilized to evacuate the remaining hikers due to the difficult conditions in the area (New York Times, NBC News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. The New York Times and NBC News have extensive experience in reporting on such incidents, and their coverage includes direct statements from the sheriff's office, which adds to the credibility of the information presented.
Conversely, while some sources like Bushcraft USA also reported on the incident, they may not have the same level of editorial oversight as mainstream news outlets. Nonetheless, the core details regarding the airlift and the challenging conditions faced by the rescuers are consistent across the reports.
Conclusion
The claim that "three remaining hikers airlifted out of treacherous terrain" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the remaining hikers were indeed airlifted due to the difficult conditions in the area following the tragic incident involving their companions.
Sources
- Bodies of 3 Hikers Who Jumped in Water Near Lake Tahoe ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/23/us/missing-hikers-dead-rattlesnake-falls-california.html)
- Three hikers found dead after they jumped into California waterfall (https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/three-hikers-found-dead-after-they-jumped-into-california-waterfall.390722/)
- Three hikers found dead after they jumped into California ... (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/three-hikers-found-dead-jumped-california-waterfall-rcna214651)
- 3 hikers identified in fatal waterfall dive near Lake Tahoe (https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2025/06/24/3-dead-hikers-identified-in-fatal-rattlesnake-falls-waterfall-dive-soda-springs-near-lake-tahoe/84335056007/)
