As the sun set and the waves crashed on the beach below Sea Lookout Park, Tanner Prentiss’ friends gathered to share memories and say goodbye. 

Approximately 130 people attended a vigil for Prentiss in Isla Vista Wednesday evening.

Prentiss, a UC Santa Barbara sociology junior from Santa Clarita, was found dead near Pine Knot Marina at Big Bear Lake on May 19 after he went missing during a trip with friends. 

At the time he was found, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said no foul play was indicated. The cause and manner of death are still pending as of Wednesday, according to sheriff’s officials.

Piper Sorock was in the Santa Barbara Snow Club, a UCSB ski and snowboarding club, with Prentiss. Sorock said Prentiss rarely missed a snow club event and his short time with everyone made a big impact.

“Getting to know Tanner, even for a short time, was a gift,” Sorock said. “Seeing him become an important member of our snow club family, showing up to every event with a smile on his face. I know we’ve all learned so much from his pure heart and the way he easily treated others with kindness.”

Friends decorated the wooden stage at Sea Lookout Park with photos, lights, flowers, and painted glass bottles. 

The vigil began with everyone lighting a candle, followed by a prayer and a moment of silence. Prentiss’ friends and classmates gathered on blankets and chairs and wrote letters to Prentiss to be given to his family. 

Prentiss’ friends took turns sharing stories and expressing how much they missed him. He was described as passionate, talented, and a person that made everyone feel safe and welcomed. 

Savannah Hastings said the first time she saw Prentiss, she knew she wanted to be his friend. 

“Tanner had the ability to elevate the mood of every room that he entered and with him he brought an infectious smile that was bound to make you feel like everything was going to be okay,” Hastings said. 

Hastings said Prentiss was happy to do anything, whether it was a hungover bagel run, a club meeting, or skiing down the mountains.

“I wish I got to ask you the things I thought I’d learn throughout the years,” Hastings said. “I see you in the sunset and every ginger that passes me, and I feel you when I dance. I miss you and will cherish every second that I spent with you forever.”

Numerous speakers said that while they only met Prentiss this past year, they became quick friends. His coworkers remembered him dancing at work and that he was always present, living in the moment. 

Backyard Bowls, where Prentiss worked, provided catering for the vigil. 

The vigil lasted well into the evening with countless stories, tears, and laughs shared. One friend, Lauren, said he had a rare gift in making everyone he met feel comfortable. 

“I felt included and comfortable with him in so many instances and I watched him do that with others over and over again,” Lauren said. “I’m just really holding that and thinking about that a lot and inspired to be a safe person like he was.”