Missing California Hiker's Body Discovered Close to Waterfall

Caroline Meister, who lived and worked at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center about 45 miles southeast of Monterey, California, was a passionate hiker who knew the trails well.

On Monday morning, she informed her friends that she was going for a hike. She was dressed for a day trip and had only snacks with her, indicating that she was not prepared for an overnight stay.

Authorities were called when she didn't come back by evening. They began a search on Tuesday, using helicopters and ground crews to explore remote areas.

By Friday, they discovered the 30-year-old's body at the bottom of a waterfall.

"Our main goal was simply to locate her," explained Paul Howler from the Zen center near San Jose in an interview with KSBW last Friday. "With each passing day, it seemed more likely that we would succeed."

Caroline Meister went missing while hiking in California.

Caroline Meister went missing while hiking in California.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Tina Nieto from Monterey County announced at a press conference on Friday that no foul play is suspected in the case. She mentioned that Meister's injuries seem to be from falling down a cliff. Searchers went down to bring her body back up.

Nieto added that the coroner will be responsible for determining the cause of death.

“She’s very familiar with the area. She’s also an avid hiker,” her father, John Meister, told KSBW on Tuesday.

More than 100 searchers from 13 agencies were involved, Nieto said.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic loss of Caroline Meister, an avid hiker who ventured into the familiar trails of Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, is a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness. While she was well-equipped for a day hike, her unpreparedness for an overnight stay ultimately played a role in her untimely demise. As the search efforts intensified, the hope of finding her alive dwindled with each passing day, culminating in the heartbreaking discovery of her body at the bottom of a waterfall.

The investigation into Meister's death revealed no signs of foul play, with her injuries consistent with a fall down a cliff. The coroner's report will provide further insights into the exact cause of death. The tragedy serves as a cautionary tale for hikers to always be prepared for the unexpected, even on well-known trails. The massive search operation, involving over 100 searchers from various agencies, is a testament to the community's collective concern and the determination to find Meister. Her family and friends are left to mourn her loss while cherishing the memories of her passion for hiking and her deep connection to nature.