Mon Jun 23 20:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Three men, Matthew Schoenecker, Matthew Anthony, and Valentino Creus, died after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California, on Wednesday, June 18th. They were part of a hiking group, and when they failed to resurface, a multi-day search and rescue operation was launched by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Search efforts were hampered by weather and strong currents. The bodies of all three men were recovered on June 22nd. A volunteer diver highlighted the difficult conditions and the urgency felt in recovering the bodies.

**News Article:**

**Three Hikers Found Dead at Rattlesnake Falls After Days-Long Search**

**Soda Springs, CA** – The bodies of three men were recovered over the weekend at Rattlesnake Falls in Placer County, California, following a multi-day search and rescue operation. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragic outcome on Saturday, June 22nd.

The search began on Wednesday, June 18th, after the Sheriff’s Office received a report that three individuals had entered the water near Soda Springs and failed to resurface. The men, identified as Matthew Schoenecker of Los Angeles, Matthew Anthony of New York City, and Valentino Creus of Los Angeles, were part of a hiking group when they decided to jump into the falls, according to authorities. The other members of the hiking group were evacuated via helicopter on Thursday, June 19, due to the area’s remote location and difficult trail conditions. The California Highway Patrol assisted with the rescue.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Search and rescue efforts were hampered throughout the week by inclement weather and strong currents, according to deputies.

Juan Heredia, a volunteer diver involved in the recovery, described the arduous conditions in a Facebook post. He stated that he and another volunteer hiked for over three hours to reach the falls before diving into the frigid water multiple times.

“We couldn’t wait. I knew it could take weeks to surface. Families needed to close this chapter already,” Heredia wrote. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with the Sheriff’s Office, noting their prompt response in securing the bodies after being alerted to their location.

Rattlesnake Falls is located near Soda Springs, approximately 26 miles from Lake Tahoe. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident.

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