A Filipino American from Los Angeles has been identified among the three hikers who tragically drowned at Rattlesnake Falls in Soda Springs, California.
Authorities from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the body of 59-year-old Valentino Creus, along with Matthew Schoenecker and Matthew Anthony, were recovered on Sunday after an extensive search operation. The men were part of a six-person hiking group when they jumped into the waterfall’s pool.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the bodies of the three men have been recovered,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Creus, an accountant by profession, was based in Los Angeles and worked for Turner, Warren, Hwang & Conrad. His academic background included accounting studies at De La Salle University and further education in international business and taxation at the University of Southern California.
The tragedy unfolded when Creus reportedly began struggling in the water. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, diver Juan Heredia said Schoenecker and Anthony jumped in to save Creus but were also overcome. “He started panicking and then the two Matts jumped in to save him, but they couldn’t and they drowned,” Heredia shared.
Efforts to locate the men spanned days and involved multiple agencies including the Sheriff’s Dive Team, CAL FIRE, and the California Highway Patrol, which used a helicopter to extract the remaining members of the hiking party.
Creus was remembered by friend Matt Meeks as a man of deep faith. In a tribute on Facebook, Meeks described him as “a numerary in Opus Dei” and someone who devoted his life not only to his profession but to spiritual mentorship and service. “He spent his working hours as an accountant and all other free time… praying for the people he encountered, leading retreats, tutoring youth, mentoring men in their marriages and work,” Meeks wrote.
In a moving memory, Meeks recalled Creus encouraging him to surrender to God’s path: “Val looked at me and said, ‘Well if God led you to a river and you don’t have anywhere else to walk, maybe he wants you to jump in and let that river overtake you.’”
