BREAKING: The body of missing hiker Eryn VanAcker, 40, was discovered on Monday in the North Fork of the American River in Placer County, authorities confirmed. This tragic update follows a search that began just before 6 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, after VanAcker was reported missing.
VanAcker was last seen around 2:30 p.m. on the same day while walking her dog on Codfish Falls Trail, located outside of Colfax. Approximately 15 minutes later, the dog was found alone, raising immediate concerns about her safety.
During the initial search efforts, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office located VanAcker’s vehicle nearby, along with her phone and a dog bowl. Fortunately, her dog was found safe, but the search for VanAcker intensified over the weekend, with search teams deploying land, air, and water resources in the effort to locate her.
In a somber update delivered Monday afternoon, the sheriff’s office announced the discovery of VanAcker’s body in the river. “This outcome is not what anyone hoped for,” the agency stated, extending their “deepest condolences” to Eryn’s family, friends, and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.
The community is mourning the loss of a beloved individual, and the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply among those who knew her. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent recovery have shocked local residents and sparked conversations about safety on hiking trails.
As authorities continue to investigate the details leading up to this unfortunate incident, there is an urgent call for hikers to stay vigilant and informed about the risks associated with outdoor activities, especially in remote areas.
Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds and additional information becomes available.
