A hiking trip into California woods ended in a tragedy last week after three men jumped into a waterfall and never resurfaced.
Six hikers embarked on an “extremely remote and difficult to access” trail near Soda Springs on June 18.
Three of the men decided to plunge into Rattlesnake Falls to cool off and never reemerged.
Their bodies were recovered on Monday after a three-day search. They were later identified as Valentino Creus, 50, Matthew Schoenecker, 50, and Matthew Anthony, 44.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the bodies of the three men have been recovered,” authorities said in a statement.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
A friend of Creus remembered him as “a true friend” who would “always give advice.”
“Val died as he lived – riding that river all the way to Heaven alongside his friends. I sure do miss him,” he said.
