Body of Missing U.S. College Student Found in Big Bear Lake

Yahoo

20-05-2025

The body of missing UC Santa Barbara student Tanner Prentiss has been recovered from Big Bear Lake.
Prentiss, 22, was in Big Bear Lake over the weekend spending time with a group of friends when he didn't return from a night out on Friday. According to a missing persons alert, the redheaded young man was last seen on Village Drive possibly heading toward Big Bear Boulevard.
A search began for Prentiss over the weekend, with rescuers finding his body in the water near Pine Knot Marina at around 10:30 a.m. Monday. According to CBS News, deputies in a helicopter combing the area spotted Prentiss' body, which was later recovered by a dive team.
The Big Bear Sheriff Station said in a statement Monday that no foul play is suspected, and the coroner's office has taken over the investigation.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanner's family, friends and all those who are affected by his loss. The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident," the statement reads.
Prentiss' grandmother Marilyn Taylor confirmed his passing in a Facebook post Monday afternoon.
"It is with Great Sorrow that we let everyone know that Tanner has been found and is deceased," Taylor wrote. "Bless all of you who have supported this family during this time and the time we are about to share in the near future. Tanner was the funny guy, always smiling, tons of friends, charismatic, responsible and a really good person. This loss is more than we can bear at this time."
UC Santa Barbara, where Prentiss was studying, also expressed its condolences in a statement.
"We understand the impact and stress surrounding this tragedy and are committed to supporting our campus community who may be impacted," the school said. "Our campus offers resources to students, staff, and faculty who are in need of support."