Body of hiker missing in Placer County pulled from American River

PLACER COUNTY — The body of a hiker who went missing last week in Placer County was found Monday in the North Fork of the American River, authorities said.

The search for the hiker — identified in media reports as 40-year-old Eryn VanAcker — started shortly before 6 p.m. Friday, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

VanAcker was last seen around 2:30 p.m. that day walking her dog on Codfish Falls Trail outside of Colfax, authorities said. The dog was spotted alone roughly 15 minutes later.

During the initial search, authorities found VanAcker’s vehicle in the area, as well as her phone and a dog bowl along the river. Authorities said the dog was found safe.

The search continued over the weekend, with teams scouring the area by land, air and water.

In an update Monday afternoon, the sheriff’s office announced VanAcker’s body had been pulled from the river.

“This outcome is not what anyone hoped for,” the agency said. “Our deepest condolences are with Eryn’s family, friends and loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”

Check back for updates.