Family and friends of a Utah tourist who died after being sucked into a whirlpool have paid tribute to the “heroic” man.
Jeannine Skinner, 34, David Bell, 48, and Pete On, 48, drowned while canyoneering on the Tulare County Trail, about 80 miles northeast of Bakersfield, on Aug. 23.
The trio and a group of others were nearing the end of their adventure when Jeannine decided to jump off a five-foot cliff into a “small pool.”
David and Pete jumped in after her when they realized Jeannine had not surfaced after being caught in the undercurrent. All three lost consciousness and attempts to revive them with CPR failed.
David’s family and friends today described his actions as “heroic”, while tributes poured in for the other two victims.
The trio and a group of others were nearing the end of their adventure when Jeannine (pictured) decided to jump off a five-foot cliff into a “small pool.”
David Bell’s family called his actions “an act of heroism” in a new interview
When a Inside edition The interviewer said the incident sounded like “an act of heroism,” his sister Valencia Greene quickly agreed and said, “yes, yes it is” on behalf of the family.
The Harrington Center for the Arts, of which Bell was a founding member, also made a advertisement In his honor.
‘David is a hero. David brought joy to hundreds of thousands of runners through the races he organized at his company, Runtastic Events, and through events at the Harrington Center for the Arts. His unparalleled creativity shaped every detail, knowing that his work was providing lasting memories for families and unforgettable moments of creativity and triumph as people reached new heights.
‘David cared deeply about the community and giving back. Each of his 11 races supported a local charity, benefiting causes such as cancer research, children with autism, mental health, veterans, youth athletics and the arts.’
Sister Valencia Greene and other members of Bell’s family remembered him in a new interview
Sarah McConkie, a friend of Skinner, remembered her and saying in to Facebook Group called ‘David, Jeannine, Pete Celebration of Life and Friendship’. ‘I felt out of place in a high school where most of my students had split up to go to another high school and I didn’t know many people.
‘Jeannine Skinner, Ashley Brooke Bell and I were some of the few sophomores in the school play and we bonded over being mutually intimidated by all the juniors and seniors there.
‘Jeannine was sweet, kind and charming, but she also had a mischievous nature that made me laugh a lot. She was adventurous in ways I had never dared to be. I love you so much, Jeannine. I can’t wait to hug you again.’
Paul Dozier, a friend of On, also wrote on Facebook clusterI met Pete about 12 years ago through mutual friends. We hit it off instantly, which seems to be something that happens often with Pete.
‘One of my fondest memories of Pete is the time he lent me a board. After I accidentally hit it, I apologized and asked what I could do to get it back. He laughed and told me not to worry about the board because it belonged to his roommate. And to wish him luck telling him the news! That was very Pete.’
‘She lived life to the fullest. She shared that full life with her friends. And then she gave her life for them. Without hesitation. Without regrets. It’s been too long since we’ve been together. And now I’m going to have to wait a little longer.’
David’s sisters, Summerisa Bell Stevens and Valecia Green, previously said the group had “had a perfect day canyoning together” before the fatal incident.
The three friends and 13 other people were nearing the end of their hike when Jeannine decided to jump from a five-foot drop into a “small pool” (pictured: Seven Teacups Trail)
“The leader (of the group) had done this trip, I think she said 15 times, so it was just the last four-foot drop into a pool, a small pool,” Valecia said. KSL television channel.
Steven added that from the top of Seven Teacups no one would have been able to tell if anything was wrong in the water.
“There was a circular current that they believe was caused by a large log or rock that was pushed into that area,” he added.
‘Pete immediately jumped into the water to help Jeannine. At one point, he managed to get out of the current and reach out and she couldn’t reach it, so he went back into the water to try and pull her out.’
In the midst of the terrifying whirlpool, his brother also managed to free himself, but upon seeing Pete unconscious, he immediately returned to help him.
“They are three amazing, wonderful people who will be greatly missed by their families, friends and the community at large,” Valecia said.
Jeannine, a registered dietitian nutritionist and healthcare coach, was remembered for her “big heart” by her former roommate.
Many people also posted videos of Jeannine and David having fun together on the dance floor.
In honor of the three, their dance community will host an event on Wednesday. Everyone has been asked to wear purple and will receive ribbons to honor them.
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