New Yorker and two others drown after jumping into California waterfall while hiking

Tragic Deaths of Hikers in California

Authorities report that three hikers, including a New Yorker, lost their lives last week under tragic circumstances.

Matthew Anthony, 44, from New York City, along with two friends, embarked on a hike in the Soda Springs area—located on a steep alpine trail in the northern Sierra Nevada, roughly three miles from Donner Pass.

After a strenuous three-hour hike, Anthony, along with Valentino Cleus and Matthew Schenecker, both 50, decided to take a refreshing jump into Rattle Snake Falls. Sadly, after leaping, Anthony did not resurface.

This prompted the remaining members of their group to call 911, leading to an extensive search effort. Unfortunately, it took four days before authorities located his body.

In a statement on Sunday, the sheriff expressed their condolences, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the recovery of the bodies of the three men. Our deepest sympathies go out to their families and friends.”

The three victims were involved with a program called the International Circle of Genetic Research, which collaborates with genetics professors and high school students for educational research initiatives.

According to the organization’s Facebook post, “We regret to inform you that three advisors tragically passed away last Wednesday, June 18th, in an accident near San Francisco. Their names are Dr. Matthew Schenecker, Dr. Matthew Anthony, and Val Kreus.”

The search operation saw contributions from several teams, including the sheriff’s dive team and Cal Fire’s technical rescue unit. Meanwhile, the three hikers who remained on solid ground were airlifted from the trail as the search progressed.

Initially hampered by harsh weather and unsafe conditions, the search resumed when the situation improved. Local diver Juan Heredia participated in the recovery, recounting his challenging dives in freezing water.

Heredia mentioned that it felt crucial to recover the bodies quickly, noting that the family needed closure. “I got the signal to enter the water at 9 PM,” he explained, recalling that he swam against the current because he wouldn’t leave without them.