The body of a California woman who went missing while hiking last week has been found at the bottom of a steep waterfall gorge.
Caroline Meister’s body was discovered Friday at the Ventana Preserve outside Monterey. She had set out on a day-long hike four days ago.
30-year-old man “was not prepared for an overnight hike,” Monterey County Sheriff’s Office says stated in a statementShe did not return by the end of the day, worrying her friends and family.
A search operation was launched using K9s, heat-sensing aircraft, drones, and multi-agency rescue teams.
Searching the “cut-off” trail, which features steep drops and long waterfalls, rescuers conducted a dangerous search down the mountain’s rocky face.
“Search and rescue personnel rappelled down a steep cliff and discovered the body of Caroline Meister at the base of the waterfall,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
There is no suspicion of foul play in the fatal accident.
Meister’s parents were hopeful that their daughter would be found alive and described her as an “avid hiker” during the search.
“She is very knowledgeable about the area,” her parents say. told KSBW8. “She’s so strong and resilient.”
The family was alerted immediately after the discovery and expressed gratitude to the sheriff’s office and search volunteers.
