It was four days after the hiker, who was thirty years old, had set out for a day trip when her body was discovered at the base of a waterfall in Carmel Valley, California, according to the authorities.
In the Ventana Wilderness, workers rappelled down a waterfall at "Cut Off Trail" on Friday morning, which led to the discovery of the body of Caroline Meister.
We do not believe that there was any kind of criminal activity involved, based on the physical evidence. In a statement, the Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, "We believe that it was an accident."
A forensic investigation will be carried out in order to ascertain the precise circumstance that led to Meister's passing. Around ten o'clock in the morning on March 18, Meister embarked on a hike by himself from the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center.
As soon as she did not return on the same day, the staff members at the center phoned the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and informed them that she was "not prepared for an overnight hike."
The parents of Meister have stated that their daughter was a "very experienced and avid hiker" and that she was "very familiar with the area."
During the time of her passing, she was also employed at the Zen Center, where she was residing.
"Everyone here is in utter disbelief and profound grief. After hearing this upsetting news, the sanghas at Tassajara, Green Gulch Farm, and City Center have gathered together to provide support and comfort to one another, according to a statement released by the San Francisco Zen Center. There is a ringing of 108 bells. All of our hearts are shattered.
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