Beloved Big Bear Teen Mourned After Fatal Fall From Dam Bridge

BIG BEAR, CA — Days after a Big Bear teenager died from a fall off the bridge near Big Bear Dam, her family is focusing on her legacy in their time of grief.

Bella (Isabella) Fanuele was just 18 years old at the time of her death.

"She was full of hope and excitement for the future," says Kristopher Jones, spokesperson for the family and organizer of a GoFundMe in her honor. "She had recently graduated from high school and was looking forward to starting college and pursuing her dream of opening a bakery."

Those dreams were crushed when friends reported her fatal fall from the Highway 18 bridge, near the Big Bear Dam. Her loss, Jones says, has left her family and friends heartbroken.

"Her family is now facing the unimaginable, and they need support to help them through this difficult time," he wrote in the GoFundMe that has already amassed over $14,000. Along with residents, friends and family, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Keller Williams Big Bear, and other businesses in the area have made generous donations toward the cause.

"Funds raised will go toward funeral expenses, counseling for those closest to Bella, and, if possible, creating a bakery in her name to honor her memory and her dreams," Jones said. "Every contribution will help ease the burden and allow her family to focus on healing."

The family invites all who were moved by Bella's story to contribute, share memories, or simply spread the word to support Bella’s family.

"Your kindness and support mean so much, and together we can help them find hope and comfort in the midst of their grief."

Related:

Teenage Girl Falls To Her Death Near Big Bear Dam