Caroline Meister, a resident of the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in California, was reported missing after failing to return from a hike she embarked on Monday morning. Meister, an experienced hiker, was dressed for a day trip and had only packed snacks, indicating she did not plan for an overnight stay.
Concerned friends contacted authorities when she did not return by evening, prompting a search operation that commenced on Tuesday. Helicopters and ground crews were deployed to scour remote areas surrounding the Zen center.
Tragically, Meister's body was discovered at the base of a waterfall on Friday. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto confirmed that there is no suspicion of foul play, attributing Meister's injuries to a fall down a cliff. Search teams rappelled down to retrieve her body, and the coroner will determine the cause of death.
Meister's father, John Meister, described her as very familiar with the area and an avid hiker. Over 100 searchers from 13 different agencies participated in the extensive search efforts.
