Sad end in hunt for baby-faced student, 22, who vanished at California beauty spot
The search for a University of California Santa Barbara student who vanished while out with friends at a rural beauty spot has ended in tragedy.
The body of Tanner Prentiss, 22, was discovered in Big Bear Lake on Monday.
Prentiss disappeared on Saturday night while visiting the area with friends, according to the Big Bear Sheriff's Department.
He was last seen just after midnight when he left his rental cabin and never returned. Police said he was wearing a black hoodie and jeans.
The student was reported missing and deputies implemented an exhaustive search, recruiting dive team members to look for Prentiss.
Authorities then issued a grim update that Prentiss' body was located in the water near the Pine Knot Marina.
A cause of death has yet to be determined, but the coroner's office has initiated an investigation.
There is no foul play suspected at this time.
'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanner's family, friends, and all those who are affected by his loss,' the sheriff's department said in a statement.
Big Bear Lake is a popular tourist destination, and Prentiss was staying at a rental cabin in the area, according to authorities
'The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident.'
Prentiss was a senior at the University of California Santa Barbara studying sociology and economics, according to his LinkedIn profile.
A representative for the university told the Los Angeles Times,:'Losing a member of our UC Santa Barbara community is heartbreaking.'
'We understand the impact and stress surrounding this tragedy and are committed to supporting our campus community who may be impacted.
'Our campus offers resources to students, staff and faculty who are in need of support.'
Tributes have already begun pouring in for the university student, with dozens of comments on social media praising Prentiss.
'Rest is paradise Tan Man love you forever brother,' one comment read on his recent Instagram post.
'You better be dj'ing your heart out up there. rest is peace tanner, you're missed so much already,' another read.
'Rest in peace [heart emoji] i hope they find out what happened to you, may your soul be safe and sound,' a third added.
A GoFundMe was set up for the Prentiss family, by his roommate. The fundraiser has already surpassed the $20,000 goal.
'It's hard to put into words what Tanner meant to those who knew him. He truly was an angel on earth — kind, compassionate, and deeply selfless,' the description read.
'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.'
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