Isabella Fanuele, 18, was preparing for college and had begun building a successful cookie business during her senior year.
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — Flowers appeared Wednesday near the Highway 18 bridge as friends mourned Isabella Fanuele, an 18-year-old honor roll student who died after falling from a support structure near Big Bear Dam.
Fanuele’s death left friends, relatives and visitors grieving for a young woman her family said was excited to begin college. She dreamed of owning a bakery and had already begun selling cookies during her senior year, finding early success with the business.
The Big Bear resident was beneath the Highway 18 bridge with friends late Tuesday when she fell from the top of one of its support structures, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies were called to Big Bear Dam at about 11:03 p.m.
Deputies and firefighters descended the hillside and found Fanuele at the bottom of the embankment. Paramedics began lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said their preliminary investigation found no evidence of suspicious circumstances. Investigators have not released additional information about why Fanuele was on the structure or what led to the fall, and the case remains under investigation.
By Wednesday, friends had gathered near the bridge and created a memorial with flowers. The display marked the loss of a teenager whose family said had worked hard in school while beginning to pursue her interest in baking.
Visitors who learned about the death also expressed sympathy for Fanuele’s family. A visitor identified as Michael said the news was especially painful because Fanuele had been at the beginning of her adult life after finishing high school.
“To hear that kind of news is very sad,” Michael said. “Someone who’s graduating high school, that’s just the beginning of life.”
Another visitor, identified as Claudia, said she could not imagine the family’s grief. “I wish the best for the parents because it’s a pain I can’t imagine to lose a kid,” she said.
Residents said the bridge has been used as a gathering place by local teenagers despite the dangerous height. Officials had not announced any changes to access or safety measures at the location as the investigation continued.
Author note: Last updated July 16, 2026.