A tragic discovery was made Monday morning in Big Bear Lake, California, when the body of Tanner Prentiss, a 22-year-old college student from Southern California, was found in the water near Pine Knot Marina.
Prentiss had been reported missing since around 12:30 a.m. on May 17, when he was last seen in the mountain town popular for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.
Search Teams Locate Tanner’s Body After Helicopter Spotting
According to the Big Bear Sheriff Station, search crews found Prentiss’ body shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Monday after deputies spotted it from a helicopter. A dive team then recovered the body from the lake.
Officials say there is no indication of foul play, but the cause of death remains under investigation by the coroner’s office.
Friends Reported Tanner Missing After He Didn’t Return to Cabin
Prentiss was visiting Big Bear Lake with a group of friends. When he failed to return to their rental cabin, they reported him missing to authorities, who immediately launched a search operation.
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) student was well-liked and known for his friendly nature.
Family and University Mourn a Bright Young Life Lost
In a heartfelt message on Facebook, Tanner’s grandmother, Marilyn Taylor, expressed the family’s deep sorrow.
“Tanner was the funny guy, always smiling, with tons of friends,” she wrote. “He was charismatic, responsible, and a really good person. This loss is more than we can bear at this time.”
UCSB Offers Support to Students and Community in Wake of Tragedy
The university released a statement calling Tanner’s death “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to his family and friends.
“We understand the impact and stress surrounding this tragedy and are committed to supporting our campus community who may be impacted,” UCSB said. The school also reminded students, staff, and faculty of available counseling and support resources during this difficult time.
A Community Left in Shock
As investigators continue to determine the circumstances that led to Tanner’s death, his family and friends are left grappling with a heartbreaking loss.
The Big Bear Sheriff Station has asked for privacy for the family as they mourn.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
