Tanner Prentiss has died. Missing UCSB student found dead near Pine Knot Marina. The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) community is mourning the tragic death of 21-year-old student Tanner Prentiss, who was reported missing after a weekend getaway to Big Bear Lake. His body was found on Sunday near Pine Knot Marina, bringing a heartbreaking end to a desperate search that had unfolded over the previous two days.
Tanner Prentiss cause of death
Tanner Prentiss had traveled to Big Bear with a group of friends, staying in a cabin in the popular resort town for a short weekend retreat. The group arrived late in the week, hoping to enjoy some time away from school in the peaceful mountain setting. However, the trip took a devastating turn when Tanner disappeared late Friday night. Friends last saw him walking down a street in Big Bear in the early hours of Saturday morning. As the hours passed with no word from him, concern grew. Local authorities were alerted, and the search began for the missing UCSB student.
Found Dead Near Pine Knot Marina
On Sunday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Tanner’s body was found in the waters near Pine Knot Marina, a central location in the Big Bear community. The area is well-known to locals and tourists alike, typically bustling with visitors, particularly during weekends and holiday seasons. Investigators say the body was discovered close to the shore, though the exact circumstances leading to his death remain under investigation. At this time, officials do not suspect foul play. However, they have not yet ruled out other possibilities, and an autopsy has been scheduled to determine Tanner’s cause of death.
Who Was Tanner Prentiss?
Described by friends and faculty as bright, kind-hearted, and full of potential, Tanner Prentiss was a well-liked student at UCSB. He was pursuing his degree with passion and was known for his enthusiasm for learning and his adventurous spirit. Outside of academics, Tanner loved the outdoors and often spent weekends hiking, camping, or taking road trips with friends. His sudden passing has left those who knew him in shock. “He had such a gentle soul,” one classmate shared. “Tanner was the type of person who made everyone feel welcome. His energy and laughter were infectious.”
News of Tanner’s death has sent waves of grief through the UCSB campus. Counselors have been made available for students, and a candlelight vigil is already being planned in his memory. Friends, classmates, and professors have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories of the young man whose life was cut far too short. One UCSB professor wrote, “Tanner stood out not just for his academic performance but for his genuine compassion. It’s a heartbreaking loss for all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Big Bear Lake locals have also expressed their sorrow. Many in the community followed the story closely and hoped for a more hopeful outcome. As one resident said, “Even though we didn’t know him personally, our hearts broke when we heard the news. This town feels these losses deeply.”
Ongoing Investigation
While foul play is not suspected, the Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate the events surrounding Tanner’s disappearance and death. Authorities are working to determine whether alcohol, weather conditions, or disorientation may have played a role. The cold mountain nights and difficult terrain in Big Bear Lake have proven dangerous in past incidents, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with the area. In similar cases, individuals have become lost or succumbed to hypothermia after becoming disoriented at night. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and waiting for toxicology results to provide a clearer picture of what happened in Tanner’s final hours.
Though the investigation continues, what remains certain is the impact Tanner Prentiss had on those around him. He was more than a student—he was a beloved son, a loyal friend, and an unforgettable presence in every room he entered. As tributes pour in, the UCSB and Big Bear Lake communities come together to honor his memory. In this time of sorrow, Tanner’s life serves as a reminder of how fragile and precious every moment is. The Prentiss family has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time, and they have expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. The loss of Tanner Prentiss is a devastating reminder of how quickly life can change. As we await answers, we hold his memory close and extend our deepest condolences to all who loved him. May he rest in peace.