Cleo's Bath Recovery Mission
June 29, 2024 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Thursday, June 27th, 2024, at about 2:30 in the afternoon, TCSO dispatch received 911 call reporting the body of the missing man, 38-year-old Gabriel Castaneda, who was last seen falling over the waterfall at Cleo’s Bath on Sunday, June 23rd, had been found. Castaneda’s body had reportedly been found by an independent diver in a pool down river of Cleo’s Bath.
TCSO SAR responded to the area, hiked in, and located Castaneda in a steep gorge in close proximity to the swift-moving water. Due to the steep terrain and proximity to the swift moving water, CHP Helicopter H20 was requested to assist in the recovery. SAR members used harnesses and rope to safely approach the location and prepare Castaneda for removal from the area. At approx., 8:00 P.M. CHP H20 hoisted Castaneda to a nearby location where TCSO Coroners took over the investigation.
We want to remind the public to always use caution around Swiftwater and near waterfalls. Waterways are especially dangerous during spring and early summer when snow melt causes high, swift, and cold, water currents. Cold, fast-running water can be dangerous to even the strongest swimmers due to the speed of the water, obstacles below the water’s surface and cold-water temperature. Additionally, we encourage the public to exercise caution near swift water moving over granite surfaces because the rocks around the water can become very smooth and easy to slip on.
We want to thank Pinecrest fire for their assistance in transporting our SAR team and gear across the lake and CHP H20 for their assistance with the hoist and support throughout the incident.
Source & photos: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office
