Body of California man who fell over scenic waterfall recovered four days after fatal plunge

Additionally, the rocks around these areas can become dangerously smooth and slippery, rescuers added.Photo byTuolumne County Sheriff

On Thursday, June 27th, 2024, at approximately 2:30 PM, the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) received a distressing 911 call reporting the discovery of the body of Gabriel Castaneda, 38, who had been missing since falling over the waterfall at Cleo’s Bath on Sunday, June 23rd, sheriff's officials stated.

An independent diver found Castaneda’s body in a pool downriver from Cleo’s Bath. TCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) teams responded promptly, navigating the steep gorge and swift-moving waters to reach the location, the TCSO stated.. Given the challenging terrain, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Helicopter H20 was called in to assist with the recovery operation.

SAR members employed harnesses and ropes to secure the area and prepare for Castaneda's extraction, according to the sheriff's office. By approximately 8:00 PM, CHP H20 successfully hoisted Castaneda to a safer location where TCSO Coroners took over the investigation.

The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around swift water and waterfalls, particularly during spring and early summer when snowmelt results in high, fast, and cold water currents, the sheriff's office stated. Even the strongest swimmers can be overwhelmed by the speed and temperature of the water and the obstacles hidden beneath the surface, officials stated.

Additionally, the rocks around these areas can become dangerously smooth and slippery, rescuers added.