A UC Santa Barbara student was found deceased in the water by Pine Knot Marina at Big Bear Lake today, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Tanner Prentiss, a third-year sociology major at UCSB, was found deceased in Big Bear Lake on May 19. Photo courtesy San Bernadino Sheriff’s Office
Tanner Prentiss, 22, was a third-year sociology major at UCSB. He was found at 10:23 a.m after an extensive search by deputies and the Sheriff’s Dive Team. Investigators followed up on information provided by people who last saw him.
Prentiss went to Big Bear Lake last weekend on a cabin trip with friends. After going out for the evening on May 17, he did not return to his rental cabin, authorities said. He was last seen in the 4000 block of Village Drive, walking northbound toward Big Bear Boulevard at approximately 12:30 a.m..
Authorities said there is no indication of foul play, and the coroner’s office has assumed the investigation.
Prentiss was a staffer in Snow Club according to a staff highlight post on the account two weeks ago. The sheriff’s office released undated photographs of Prentiss in an early press release reporting that he was missing.
“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 press release said.
Prentiss’s roommate Arjun Malaviya organized a GoFundMe in partnership with Snow Club to support the Prentiss family, which has raised $1,211 as of 7:30 p.m. today.
“It’s hard to put into words what Tanner meant to those who knew him. 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. Tanner believed in the good in people, even when they didn’t see it in themselves. That’s something I’ll always carry with me, and I know many others will too,” Malaviya said on the website.
This is a developing story. The Nexus will report on this topic as more information becomes available.
