Authorities reported that a 30-year-old hiker was found dead at the foot of a waterfall in Carmel Valley, California, four days after commencing on a day hike.
Caroline Meister's body was discovered on Friday morning as rescue teams moved down a waterfall near the "Cut Off Trail" in the Ventana Wilderness.
No Suspicion of Foul Play in Death of Hiker Caroline Meister
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, "Based on the physical evidence, we don't suspect any foul play. We believe it was accidental."
A forensic examination will be directed to make sure of the exact cause of Meister's death. Meister had departed from the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center for a solo hike around 10 a.m. on March 18.
When she failed to return on the same day, center staff prompted the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, noting that she was "not equipped for an overnight hike."
Meister's parents affirmed that she was a "highly experienced and enthusiastic hiker" and was "very familiar with the area." She was living and employed at the Zen Center at the time of her death.
The San Francisco Zen Center conveyed deep sadness and shock, declaring, "We are all deeply saddened and in shock.
The sanghas at Tassajara, Green Gulch Farm, and City Center are gathering to support each other in the vigil of this painful news," and added, "108 bells are ringing. Our hearts are broken."
After an intensive four-day search, authorities in California have located the body of Caroline Meister, a seasoned hiker, at the base of a waterfall in Carmel Valley.
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office, with support from various search and rescue teams, disposed of numerous resources including drones, K9 units, and aircraft equipped with heat sensors to find her inside the Ventana Wilderness.
Hiker's Body Discovered at the Base of Waterfall
On Friday, search teams conducting a "high angle search" along the "Cut Off" trail discovered Meister's body. She was discovered at the foot of a cliff, with a wound constant with a fall. Authorities ruled out foul play based on evidence at the location.
Meister, who had been living and working at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, set out for her hike adequately prepared for a day trip, but not equipped for an overnight stay.
Her intended route included the Windcave Trail, a non-official trail known to local hikers. Concern arose when she failed to return, prompting staff and friends at the Zen Center to initiate a search and contact authorities.
Before her body was found, Meister's parents described her as an avid hiker familiar with the area. They expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the search efforts.
Heather Iarusso, director of the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, emphasized that hiking alone on the nearby trails was common among residents and staff, describing Meister as a beloved member of the community.
"Many of us have lived here for a while, and we're familiar with these trials. She was not out there doing anything risky," Ms Ianrusso said.
"She's just a lovely human being, and we all - we already miss her deeply. She was an amazingly sweet, bright spirit, very gentle and kind and helpful," she added.
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