Photo: Big Bear Sheriff's Department
Tanner Prentiss, a 22-year-old student from the University of California, Santa Barbara, has gone missing after a weekend trip with friends to Big Bear Lake. Prentiss was last seen around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday walking along Village Drive, according to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station. He was reportedly heading toward Big Bear Boulevard but did not return to his rental cabin.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated that Prentiss and his friends had traveled to the popular mountain destination for a short getaway. After a night out on Friday, Prentiss disappeared in the early hours of Saturday. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black hoodie and jeans. Prentiss is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds, with blue eyes, fair skin, and red hair. He also has pierced ears.
Prentiss is an economics and sociology student at UC Santa Barbara, set to graduate next year. His friends and family are using social media to spread the word and seek help from the community. The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station urges anyone with information about Prentiss's whereabouts to contact them at 909-866-0100.
Big Bear Lake, known for its hiking trails, lake activities, and ski resort, is a popular destination for college students, especially during long weekends. As UC Santa Barbara students approach the end of their spring quarter, many take short trips before finals. The search for Prentiss continues, with loved ones hoping for his safe return.