Family and friends are grieving the loss of 18-year-old Bella Fanuele after she tragically fell to her death from a bridge support structure in Big Bear. Known as a popular spot for local teens, Bella’s passing has brought heartache to the community.
The victim was recently identified through a GoFundMe page as Bella Fanuele, a recent high school graduate and aspiring baker residing in Big Bear. On Tuesday evening around 11 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were called to Big Bear Dam, located at 37800 Big Bear Blvd., for a search and rescue operation involving Fanuele.
According to a news release from the department, Fanuele was on the top of a support structure below Highway 18 when she fell. Rescue workers, including members of the Big Bear Fire Department, navigated a hill beneath the support structure to reach her. Despite their efforts to perform lifesaving measures, Fanuele was declared deceased at the scene.
An initial investigation by the Sheriff’s Department revealed no signs of suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. On Wednesday, friends gathered at the bridge, leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial to honor Fanuele. Residents shared with KTLA that the area under the highway is a popular hangout for local youth.
A fundraiser set up in her memory highlights Fanuele’s aspirations to begin college and pursue her dream of opening a bakery. Her family aims to honor her by establishing a bakery in her name, keeping her dream alive.
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