Southern California college student missing in a popular mountainous area over the weekend was found dead in Big Bear Lake.
Tanner Prentiss, 22, appeared around Big Bear Lake, California, around May 17, according to the city’s sheriff’s station. Shortly before 10:30 a.m. Monday, searchers placed his body in the water near the city’s Songkill Pier.
CBS News reported that deputies searching for lakes from helicopters found Prentis’s body and was then recovered by a dive team. Deputies are reportedly investigating how Prentis ended in the water.
The coroner’s office confirmed on Facebook that the coroner’s office had no foul and that his cause of death is under investigation by the coroner’s office.
Tanner Prentiss, 22, disappeared on May 17, 2025 in Big Bear Lake and was found dead on May 19, 2025.
According to local radio stations KTLA and KABC, UC Santa Barbara students visited the lake with a group of friends who disappeared after failing to return to rent.
“Our thoughts and prayers are provided to Tanner’s family, friends and all those affected by the loss. The family demands privacy while navigating this tragic event,” the sheriff’s station wrote.
“This loss is beyond our bearing”
Prentiss’ grandmother Marilyn Taylor wrote on Facebook that her family was destroyed by Tanner’s death and thanked everyone who supported her family during this time.
She wrote: “Tanner is a funny guy who always smiles, a lot of friends, charming, responsible and a very good person. This time the loss is more than you can afford at the moment.”
In a statement, UC Santa Barbara called Tanner’s death “heartbreaking” to the entire university community and expressed condolences to his friends and family.
“We understand the impact and pressure of this tragedy and are committed to supporting the campus communities that may be affected,” the school said in a statement shared with USA Today. “Our campus provides resources for students, staff and faculty in need.”
This article was originally seen in USA Today: Missing California Students, and found dead in the lake after a group trip
