Large rock or log caused Sierra Nevada whirlpool where three friends drowned. ‘It was a freak accident’
David Bell loved the outdoors and was looking forward to crossing the Seven Teacups trail in the Sierra Nevada off his bucket list.
On Friday, the 48-year-old Utah resident finally embarked on the trail around noon with 13 friends, according to his sister, Summerisa Bell Stevens. Among them were his “dear friend” Jeannine Skinner, 34, and his fellow outdoorsman, Peter On, 48.
It was a hike that would end in tragedy, when all three friends apparently drowned in a pool at the end of the hike along the Kern River in what family members are calling a “freak accident.”
Bell was an expert at hiking and climbing through canyons, known as “canyoneering” and was being “extremely safe” on the hike, his sister said. Once the group reached the end of the trail, which consists of a 4-foot drop into a pool about 8 feet deep, Skinner unclipped her equipment and dropped in.
On, who had completed the same trail at least 20 times, immediately realized something wasn’t right and jumped in to try to save Skinner. Bell then jumped in after seeing both Skinner and On were stuck.
On was able to get out of the whirlpool and extended a hand to Skinner but he couldn’t reach her so he went back into the pool. Bell also got out of the whirlpool around the same time On’s body floated out toward the Kern River; the group begged Bell not to reenter the pool, but he did so anyway.
One of Bell’s friends was able to pull Bell out of the water two to three minutes after he went unconscious; the group tried to perform CPR for about 20 minutes, but all three lost their lives.
Search and rescue officials told Stevens that they believe a large rock or log had gotten stuck in the water, creating a whirlpool that wasn’t visible from the surface.
“This is a really, really safe climb that they take youth groups on often because it’s relatively easy and fun,” Stevens said. “It really was a freak accident.”
Tulare County fire officials confirmed that they responded to a report of a drowning at the trail near Johnsondale around 5:20 p.m. Friday and discovered three people dead at the scene, according to local media reports.
The Seven Teacups trail is known for its stunning views, including a series of descending pools and waterfalls that give the trail its name.
But the water that contributed to its beauty also could make the trail risky — even deadly.
The trail spans about four miles and follows Dry Meadow Creek. It goes through a rock canyon that contains “teacups,” or pools, before ending along the Kern River.
A group of friends was canyoneering Friday near the Seven Teacups Trail in Tulare County when one got caught in a whirlpool. She drowned, as did two others who tried to save her.
Reviewers describe the trail as hot, hard and technical, meaning it can’t be traversed just on foot — you’ll need to know how to use ropes to rappel down some parts of the canyon or to climb back up. Yet “the technical descent is relatively short and, because the terrain is relatively forgiving with short jumps and multiple escape points, this canyon makes for a perfect practice ground before attempting longer and more difficult Class C Sierra canyons,” according to the climbing site Ropewiki.
The American Canyoneering Assn. rates the Seven Teacups as Class 3C, meaning that it requires intermediate technical skills and that it has flowing water with strong currents. It takes about a full day to complete.
An AllTrails review posted Aug. 26 details the potential dangers hikers face on the Seven Teacups trail. The reviewer noted that they completed the hike unaware that three people had drowned there the day before.
“Many pools are bowls with walls of smooth rock that provide no purchase,” according to the review. “Use a stick, an arm or leg to try and assess currents. These circular pools form due to circular currents. Look for bubbles and how they move below the surface. If you can’t see the bottom, be extra careful.”
James Hall’s family said he was trying to save Monica Ledesma in Angel Falls when they both died last week.
Bell and Skinner met country dancing and dated for two years, Stevens said. Skinner loved dancing, music and being outdoors.
“She was just so lovely, and our whole family loved Jeannine,” Stevens said.
Bell was one of 10 siblings and was considered the “cement” of the family, Stevens said. Her big brother was always planning events for others and making sure everyone felt included.
“He would go out of his way at any party to find the one person who didn’t feel like they belonged,” she added.
Meanwhile, On was a recent friend of Bell’s and was a nomad, living out of his van and traveling between Salt Lake City and Huntington Beach, Stevens said. Both shared a love of the outdoors.
“It’s really impressive to me that Pete went after Jeannine twice, someone he didn’t really know as well,” Stevens said. “Both he and Dave are heroes because they risked their lives for a friend.”
Other family members and loved ones of the three friends have also posted about the victims online.
“Pete’s love for the outdoors was infectious — surfing, canyoneering, skiing, volleyball, soccer, and golfing were just a few of the activities that filled his active life,” according to his obituary. “But more than his adventures, it was his love for family and friends that defined him. Pete cherished his relationships, always putting those he cared about first.”
According to a GoFundMe page created to cover Skinner’s funeral costs, Skinner loved to be outdoors.
“She was always the first to intervene on behalf of others and establish peace in the face of conflict,” according to the page. “Perhaps it was the sparkle in her eye, or her natural smile that brought the best out of everyone. She will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.”
Bell was the co-founder of the nonprofit Harrington Center for the Arts. The organization posted a tribute to Bell on social media after finding out about his passing.
“David brought joy to hundreds of thousands of runners through the races he organized at his company, Runtastic Events, and through the events at Harrington Center for the Arts,” the post said. “His unmatched creativity shaped every detail, knowing that his work was providing lasting memories for families and unforgettable moments of creativity and triumph as individuals reached new heights.”
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