Body Found At Big Bear Lake ID'd As Missing UCSB Student: Sheriff

BIG BEAR, CA — The body of a Southern California college student reported missing earlier this week was located in the water of Big Bear Lake, authorities said.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Monday, investigators and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dive Team located the body of Tanner Prentiss, 22, in the water near the Pine Knot Marina in the 40000 block of Village Drive, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Big Bear station.

"No foul play was indicated, and the Coroner's Office has assumed the investigation," the department said.

For days, Big Bear was on high alert looking for Prentiss. Investigators interviewed the people who last saw him, leading them to the location.

According to the department, Prentiss and many friends were visiting Big Bear for the weekend in a rented cabin.

"Tanner was last seen around 12:30 a.m. on Village Drive, possibly walking southbound toward Big Bear Boulevard. He was wearing a black hoodie and jeans at the time of his disappearance," the department said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanner's family, friends, and all those affected by his loss," the department shared. "The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident."

Prentiss's roommate started a GoFundMe to honor Tanner and his legacy for his family.

"While no amount of money can bring Tanner back, I hope this can help ease some of the financial burden tied to memorial services and other unexpected circumstances," Arjun Malaviya said.

Meanwhile, many mourners remembered him on social media. Others remarked on the lack of lights in the area where he went missing, as a danger to those walking near the lake at night.

"So sad. It doesn’t matter if he was drinking or not, if he accidentally fell in the lake, or he wanted to go swimming. Regardless of the circumstance, it’s such a tragedy," one commenter wrote on the sheriff's Facebook page. "Gone too young. Prayers to his family and friends. Also, I saw a post that someone said they need lights around the lake. I totally agree, it would help so much at night for boaters and swimmers."

"He's a great kid," one person said. "I grew up with him. We don't talk much now, but he's always been so genuine and kind."

On the GoFundMe, which has already raised nearly $25,000 in two days, Malaviya attempted to describe what Tanner meant to those who knew him.

"He truly was an angel on earth — kind, compassionate, and deeply selfless," Malaviya wrote. "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."