Teen Tragedy in Big Bear: Fatal Fall From Bridge Structure

The Big Bear community is mourning the loss of Bella Fanuele, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate known for her aspiring baking talent. Fanuele tragically fell from a bridge support structure, a popular hangout for local youth, at Big Bear Dam on Tuesday night.

Local authorities, including deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, responded to an emergency call around 11 p.m. They discovered Fanuele had fallen from the top of a structure beneath Highway 18. Rescue teams from the Big Bear Fire Department searched the area and found Fanuele at the bottom of a hill. Despite performing lifesaving measures, authorities pronounced her deceased at the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, early investigations revealed no suspicious circumstances linked to the incident. The community created a makeshift memorial at the bridge, leaving flowers to honor Fanuele’s memory.

A GoFundMe page identified Fanuele, who was eagerly anticipating college and had dreams of starting her own bakery. Her family hopes to establish a bakery in her name to celebrate her passion and commemorate her life.

The site beneath Highway 18 is known among locals as a frequent gathering place for teenagers.

Seamus Bozeman, a reporting intern for the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team and a Cal State Los Angeles student, contributed to this coverage. He dedicates his reporting efforts to labor issues and investigative stories.