[HIGHLIGHTS] A hiker who had disappeared in California is found dead at the bottom of a waterfall

Caroline Meister was last seen after leaving alone for a day trip in the Ventana area. Her family described her as "a very experienced and avid hiker" who knew the area well.

Meister left the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center for a solo hike around 10:00 am (local time) on March 18. She did not return that same day and staff members at the facility contacted the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and determined that Meister “was not prepared for an overnight excursion. ”