The body of a California woman who went missing on a hike last week was located at the bottom of a steep waterfall ravine.
Caroline Meister’s remains were found Friday in the Ventana Wilderness preserve outside of Monterey, where she’d set out four days prior on what was supposed to be a day-long hike.
The 30-year-old “was not prepared for an overnight hike,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, causing friends and family to worry when she failed to return by the day’s end.
A search operation was mounted using K9s, heat sensing aircraft, drones, and rescue teams from numerous agencies.
During a search of the “Cut Off” trail, which features a steep drop and a long waterfall, rescuers performed a risky search down the mountain’s rock face.
“Search and rescue personnel rappelled down the steep drop off and located Caroline Meister’s body at the base of the waterfall,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
No foul play is suspected in the death.
Meister’s parents had been hopeful their daughter would be found alive, describing her as “an avid hiker” as the search was underway.
“She’s very familiar with the area,” the parents told KSBW 8. “She is very strong and resilient.”
The family was informed shortly after the discovery, and expressed their thanks to the Sheriff’s Office and search volunteers.
