THREE SISTERS FALLS REOPENS AFTER BODY RECOVERED WHERE HIKER WENT MISSING

Update June 21, 2023 -- The Medical has confirmed that the body recoveredis that of the missing hiker,Richard Oliver,28, from Rancho Cucamonga

East County Magazine

File photo of Three Sisters Falls, by MIriam Raftery

June 19, 2023 (Julian)  Volunteer divers with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Reserve Unit found a body just before 1:30 p.m. today. The body was recovered underwater in the middle pool of Three Sisters Falls, the same area where a missing hiker was last seen on Friday, June 16.

The man was last seen swimming there went he went underwater and never came up.

“For four days, deputies with the Alpine Sheriff's Station, Julian Sheriff's Substation, Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter, CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service continuously searched for the man,” the Sheriff’s department announced in a press release.  “The water current was too dangerous for divers to attempt a search underwater until today.”

The body has been turned over to the Medical Examiner's Office just before 4:00 p.m. at the trailhead. The M.E. will make a positive identification of the man, as well as determine cause and manner of death pending notification of his family.

The family is is asking for privacy during this difficult time. A Sheriff's family liaison lieutenant, a Sheriff's Chaplain and representatives with Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIPS) have been provided to the family.

The U.S. Forest Service has reopened Three Sisters Falls.

“This trail is extremely strenuous, and it is not for beginners. Please use caution when hiking,” the Sheriff’s department  cautions. Click on this link to watch the Sheriff’s public safety video for hikers. https://vimeo.com/751354716?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

This is the second death at the falls this month. In early June, a woman fell to her death while trying to save a teen who slipped on a ledge above the middle falls. Both fell into the water; the teen was seriously injured and the woman was pronounced dead at thescene.

The Sheriff ‘s department states in a press release after  the search for the missing man concluded, ”We thank all the volunteers who helped during the search operations.”

The  Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) is an all-volunteer unit.  Together, they perform wilderness and urban rescues and search for missing and at-risk persons.  Teams are available 24 hours per day to respond to local, state and federal agency requests. To learn more about SAR, visit: www.sdsheriff.gov/volunteer