A 22-year-old UC Santa Barbara student who went missing in Big Bear this weekend has been found dead after a search, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.
Tanner Prentiss’ body was found in the water near Pine Knot Marina at Big Bear Lake around 10:23 a.m. Monday after an extensive search by sheriff’s deputies and dive team.
No foul play was indicated and the Coroner’s Office took over the investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanner’s family, friends and all those who are affected by his loss,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release. “The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident.”
Prentiss was reported missing after being last seen on Saturday, May 17, at 12:30 a.m. He was walking on the 40000 block of Village Drive, possibly walking towards Big Bear Boulevard, according to the sheriff’s office.
Prentiss and a group of friends were staying in a rental cabin in Big Bear for the weekend. After going out for the night, Prentiss did not return to the cabin, authorities said.
They asked the public for information and released a physical description and undated photos of Prentiss.
The search and investigation was ongoing as of Monday morning, according to Mara Rodriguez, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. Rodriguez said investigators are looking at all leads and information as they come in.
The office released the update, that search teams found Prentiss deceased, around 1:25 p.m. Monday.
The Santa Barbara Snow Club, a UCSB ski and snowboarding club, posted information about Prentiss’ disappearance on its Instagram Sunday.
The account also has a post from May 1, celebrating Prentiss as the staffer of the week. According to the post, Prentiss is an UCSB sociology junior from Santa Clarita.
Prentiss’ roommate, Arjun Malaviya, set up a GoFundMe page on Monday on behalf of the family to help with funds for a memorial service. The GoFundMe page hit its $20,000 goal within 17 hours.
“It’s hard to put into words what Tanner meant to those who knew him,” Malaviya wrote. “He truly was an angel on earth — kind, compassionate, and deeply selfless. He had this rare ability to bring light into any room, and he never hesitated to lift others up.”
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information to call the Big Bear Station at 909.866.0100.