An 18-year-old woman died after falling from a support structure beneath the Highway 18 bridge near Big Bear Dam late Tuesday, authorities said.
The San Bernardino County coroner identified the woman as Isabella A. Fanueler, a Big Bear resident. Emergency crews were sent shortly before 11:15 p.m. to the dam area after receiving a report that a young woman had fallen below the bridge.
Deputies learned that Fanueler had been beneath the Highway 18 bridge with friends before she fell from the top of a structure supporting the roadway, according to information released by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.
Deputies and Big Bear Fire Department personnel made their way down the hillside to reach her. Paramedics began lifesaving efforts, but Fanueler was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released the height of the fall or further details about what happened before the incident. It was also not immediately clear how the group reached the support structure.
The Sheriff’s Department said its preliminary investigation found no indication of suspicious circumstances. The death remained under investigation, and officials had not announced a final determination about the events leading to the fall.
The incident occurred near the western end of Big Bear Lake, where Highway 18 passes above the dam area. The bridge and surrounding slopes include steep terrain that emergency workers had to cross to reach the location.
Officials did not release the names of the friends who were with Fanueler or say whether anyone else was injured. No arrests or criminal allegations had been announced in connection with her death.
The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station asked anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators as the inquiry continues.