Big Bear Teen's Fall Spurs Family Bakery Plan After July 14 Incident

Bella Fanuele, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate from Big Bear, died after falling more than 100 feet from a support structure beneath the Highway 18 bridge near Big Bear Dam on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at approximately 11:03 p.m.

What Happened This Week

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated preliminary investigations found no indications of suspicious circumstances. Officials classified the incident as a tragic accident where she slipped and fell while hanging out with friends. The location beneath the highway bridge is a known local hangout for teens, and residents told media that the area has never been fenced off despite previous similar fall incidents reported by firefighters.

Family Hopes for Bakery in Her Name

Fanuele was an aspiring baker who planned to start college and open her own bakery before her death. Her family has announced a goal to create a bakery in her name to honor her memory and fulfill her dream, with funds from a GoFundMe designated for this purpose if possible.

Investigation Details

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the preliminary findings point to an accidental fall with no evidence of foul play. This determination came after review of the scene at the Highway 18 bridge support near Big Bear Dam.

Local residents described the spot as a longstanding gathering place for young people in the area. Reports from firefighters had previously noted similar falls at the same location, yet the site remained accessible without fencing.

The family’s bakery initiative draws directly from Fanuele’s stated plans to pursue baking professionally after high school. Contributions to the associated GoFundMe are intended to support that vision where feasible.

Further updates on the family’s bakery project or any additional findings from authorities have not been detailed beyond the initial statements from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Sources Include (But not Limited to): https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-07-16/big-bear-teen-falls-from-bridge-support-family-friends-mourn, https://nypost.com/2026/07/15/us-news/tragic-final-moments-of-teen-girl-who-plunged-to-her-death-from-big-bear-dam-revealed/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkLJZ3Np34s, https://kbhr933.com/big-bear-news-kbhr-93-3-102-5/18-year-old-female-falls-at-the-big-bear-dam/, https://onscene.tv/female-teen-dies-after-falling-from-big-bear-dam-bridge/