UCSB student who went missing on trip with friends to Big Bear found dead

UCSB student found dead in Big Bear

UCSB student Tanner Prentiss, 22, was last seen in Big Bear Lake around 12:30 a.m. after a night out with friends. His body was found in the water near Pine Knot Marina on Monday.

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. - A student at the University of California, Santa Barbara who went missing after a night out with friends in Big Bear Lake has been found dead, according to the Big Bear Sheriffs Department.

Tanner Prentiss, 22, was last seen on Saturday, May 17 around 12:30 a.m. on Village Drive in Big Bear Lake, authorities said. He was visiting the area with friends over the weekend when he disappeared.

Tanner Prentiss was last seen in Big Bear Lake around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, after a night out with friends. / Big Bear Sheriff's Station

Authorities said Prentiss' body was located in the water near the Pine Knot Marina and no foul play was indicated. 

Investigators have followed up with those who last saw the Santa Clarita native alive.

The coroner's office is investigating the cause and manner of his death.

What we don't know:

The circumstances surrounding Prentiss's disappearance are unknown.

The manner and cause of death are under investigation.

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What they're saying:

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanner's family, friends, and all those who are affected by his loss," the sheriff's department wrote in a statement posted on social media. "The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident."