Body of hiker missing from Colfax area found near Lake Clementine

By Brandon Downs

The body of a hiker who went missing in the Colfax area last week was pulled from the American River on Monday, officials said.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said the search began before 6 p.m. Friday in the area of Codfish Falls Trail when deputies received a call about a woman who may be missing.

Deputies said the woman — identified by authorities as 40-year-old Eryn VanAcker — was last seen walking on the trail with her dog. The dog was later seen alone.

During the search on Friday night, VanAcker’s vehicle was found in the area, and her phone and a dog bowl were found along the river. The dog was located and is safe.

Boats were on the water Sunday, but deputies said VanAcker had not been located. As of Sunday, deputies said there was no evidence that indicated anything other than an accidental incident. All possibilities are still to be evaluated, the sheriff’s office said. 

Monday, the sheriff’s office revealed that they believe VanAcker went into the water and was swept upstream from Lake Clementine. The sheriff’s office confirmed to CBS News Sacramento around 4 p.m. that crews had pulled VanAcker’s body from the water in that area.

VanAcker is from the San Francisco Bay Area and was visiting the area with her long-term boyfriend, the sheriff’s office said.

Cal Fire, Auburn State Recreation Area and Cal OES all assisted in the search.