Body of Missing Hiker Located
January 6, 2026 – Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report that the body of missing hiker, 40-year-old Eryn VanAcker has been located. It is believed she went into the water and was swept away in the North Fork of the American River upstream from Lake Clementine.
We are heartbroken to share that the body of a woman who has been missing since Friday, January 2 has been recovered from the North Fork of the American River. Dive teams from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and the CAL FIRE NEU/PCFD Technical Rescue Team used the NEU UAS drone, with California Governor's Office of Emergency Services FIRIS providing aerial intelligence overhead, to locate and recover her from the river on Monday.
This outcome is not what anyone hoped for. Our deepest condolences are with Eryn’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Related: Search Continues for Missing Female Hiker in the Codfish Falls Trail Area of Colfax in Placer County
We would like to thank the many agencies and personnel who worked throughout this search. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office was supported by Cal OES, CAL FIRE NEU/PCFD, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Auburn State Recreation Area, and the Yuba County Sheriff's Department. Their collaboration was critical during this complex and challenging operation.
Please keep Eryn’s loved ones in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
View video here.
Source: Placer County Sheriff's Office
