Family of Utah tourist who died saving friend in whirlpool say he was a ‘hero’

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 on Aug. 23 while canyoneering along a trail in Tulare County, about 80 miles northeast of Bakersfield.

The trio and a group of others were nearing the end of their adventure when Jeannine decided to jump from a height of four feet into a “small pool.”

David and Pete then jumped in after her when they realized that Jeannine had not surfaced after being caught in the undertow. The three of them were knocked unconscious and attempts to revive them using CPR failed.

David’s family and friends today called his actions “heroic” as tributes were paid to the other two victims.

David Bell’s family called his actions “a heroic act” in a new interview

When a Within edition The interviewer said the incident sounded like “a heroic act,” his sister Valencia Greene quickly agreed, saying on behalf of the family: “Yes, yes, it is.”

The Harrington Center for the Arts, of which Bell was a founder, also made a announcement in his honor.

“David is a hero. David brought joy to hundreds of thousands of runners through the races he hosted through his company, Runtastic Events, and through events at the Harrington Center for the Arts. His unparalleled creativity shaped every detail, knowing that his work created lasting memories for families and unforgettable moments of creativity and triumph as individuals reached new heights.

“David cared deeply about the community and gave 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 Bell family members recalled memories of him in a new interview

Sarah McConkie, a friend of Skinner’s, remembered her and said on A Facebook group called ‘David, Jeannine, Pete Celebration of Life and Friendship.’ : ‘I felt out of place at a high school where I had split most of my high school years to go to another school and where I didn’t know many people.

‘Jeannine Skinner, Ashley Brooke Bell and I were among the few sophomores who participated in the school play and we became friends because we both felt intimidated by all the junior and seniors who were there.

“Jeannine was gentle and kind and sweet, but also had a mischievous streak that just jumped out and made me laugh SO hard. She was adventurous in ways I 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 group: ‘I met Pete about 12 years ago through some mutual friends. We hit it off straight away – apparently a common occurrence with Pete.

“One of my favorite memories of Pete – the time he lent me a board. After accidentally denting it, I begged for forgiveness and asked what I could do to pay him back. He laughed and said don’t worry about the board because it belonged to his roommate. And good luck breaking the news to him! That was so Pete.

“He lived his life to the fullest. He shared that life with his friends. And then he gave his life for them. Without hesitation. Without regret. It’s been far too long since we’ve been together. And now I have to wait a little longer.”

David’s sisters, Summerisa Bell Stevens and Valecia Green, previously said the group had “spent a trouble-free day canyoning together” before the fatal incident.

The three friends and 13 others were almost at the end of their walk when Jeannine decided to jump from a height of 1.20 meters into a ‘small pool’. (Photo: Seven Teacups trail)

The Leader [of the group] “I had done this trip, I think she said it 15 times, so it was just the very last four-foot fall into a pool, a small pool,” Valecia said KSL-TV.

Steven added that no one could have seen from the top of Seven Teacups whether there was anything wrong with the water.

“There was a circular current that was probably caused by a large log or rock being pushed into that area,” she added.

“Pete immediately jumped in the water to help Jeannine. At one point he got out and was able to get away from the current and reached out, but she couldn’t reach him, so he went back and tried to get her.”

In the middle of the terrifying whirlpool, their brother also managed to escape, but when he saw that Pete was unconscious, he immediately went back to help.

“These are three amazing people who will be deeply missed by their family, friends and the community at large,” Valecia said.

Jeannine, a registered dietitian, nutritionist and health coach, is remembered by her former roommate for her “big heart.”

Many people also posted videos of Jeannine and David having fun together on the dance floor.

In honor of the three of them, their dance community will hold an event on Wednesday. Everyone has been asked to wear purple and will receive ribbons as a tribute.