Jeannine Skinner, David Bell and Pete On Death – In a heartbreaking incident, three Utah tourists lost their lives after being trapped in a whirlpool while canyoneering along the Seven Teacups trail in Tulare County, California.
Jeannine Skinner, 34, David Bell, 48, and Pete On, 48, drowned on Friday afternoon during what was supposed to be a seamless adventure. The tragedy occurred when Jeannine jumped into a small pool and became trapped in the undercurrent, prompting David and Pete to heroically attempt a rescue.
How the incident happened
The group of friends had been enjoying a day of canyoneering when the fatal accident occurred. Valecia Green, David Bell’s sister, explained that the group’s leader, an experienced canyoneer, had completed the trip numerous times before.
However, the unexpected circular current in the pool, possibly caused by a log or rock, trapped Jeannine and ultimately led to the tragic deaths of all three friends.
David and Pete both managed to escape the whirlpool initially but chose to reenter the dangerous waters in an effort to save Jeannine. Despite their brave attempts, they were unable to break free a second time. Friends and bystanders performed CPR on the trio for over 20 minutes, but their efforts were in vain.
The loss of Jeannine, David, and Pete has left a deep void in their community. Friends and family have shared their grief and memories in a Facebook group dedicated to celebrating the lives of the three victims.
Jeannine, a registered dietitian and healthcare coach, was remembered for her “big heart,” while David was celebrated for his role as the co-founder of the Harrington Center for the Arts and his passion for the outdoors. Pete was described as an adventurer who valued his relationships above all else.
In honor of the victims, the dance community will host an event on Wednesday, where attendees are encouraged to wear purple and receive ribbons in tribute. A marathon is also planned for September 7 in Payson, Utah, to commemorate their lives. David’s family has established a GoFundMe page in his memory, which has already raised over $7,100.
The bodies of Jeannine, David, and Pete were recovered on Saturday and will be returned to Utah for their funeral services. The loss of these three remarkable individuals has left a lasting impact on their loved ones and the broader community.