Body of missing Bay Area hiker found in Placer County river, officials say

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Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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PLACER COUNTY, Calif. -- The body of a missing Bay Area hiker was recovered Monday from the North Fork of the American River, authorities said.

Several agencies collaborated in the search for Eryn VanAcker, who had been missing since Friday, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office.

"This outcome is not what anyone hoped for. Our deepest condolences are with Eryn's family, friends, and loved ones," the sheriff's office said on social media.

It's believed that VanAcker went into the water and was swept away in the river upstream from Lake Clementine.

On Monday, operations included raft teams searching along both riverbanks, with drone operators helping with an aerial search over the river.


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