On August 24, David Bell, Peter On, and Jeannine Skinner tragically drowned in a whirlpool while rappelling in the Sierra Nevada’s. As hundreds prepare to celebrate their lives, powerful memories of faith and testimony keep emerging.
One such memory is of Jeannine, a dietitian nutritionist who loved swing dancing and so much more, playing “Sweet Hour of Prayer” on her guitar.
Jeannine Skinner | Courtesy of FacebookJeannine shared the video online in November 2020. She wrote, “Hi friends, I hope you enjoy this hymn! With the continued outbreaks of COVID, a prayer goes out to you, especially my friends working in healthcare, and to all my friends who are distressed during this season. While playing my guitar this afternoon, ‘Sweet Hour of Prayer’ felt like an appropriate song to sing and share today.”
On the GoFundMe page set up to help with returning Jeannine’s body to Utah and funeral expenses, her family wrote, “Her warm personality had a way of attracting others and making them feel at ease. She was adventurous and loved to be in the outdoors. She was always the first to intervene on behalf of others and establish peace in the face of conflict. 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.”
Jeannine had rappelled down on the group’s very last pass of the canyoneering trip. She landed in a small pool of water and was caught in the whirlpool. Peter jumped into save her and was also caught. David followed to help them and all three drowned.
Peter On | Courtesy of FacebookAccording to his obituary, Peter “was an adventurer in every sense of the word. He lived by the phrase ‘carpe diem,’ always embracing life’s moments with passion and enthusiasm. 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. 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.”
David Bell | Courtesy of Cyndi Bell Miller via FacebookDavid was a well-known as the owner of Runtastic Events, which hosted many popular races across Utah. A friend, Scott Jarvie, wrote online, “Dave always treated me wonderfully and that means a lot to me but I love the wonderful impact he made in the lives of so many of you and the way he brought smiles to so many of you . It inspires me to be a better person and to be that kind of person that brings love and life to those around me and build great things (like he did with race events) that benefit the lives around him.”
Scott, Jeannine, and David. | Courtesy of Scott Jarvie via FacebookCyndi Bell Miller, David’s sister, told KSL News Jeannine and David had dated on and off. “Just two weeks ago he told us, ‘I think I’m going to marry Jeannine,'” she said.
A GoFundMe for David has also been launched by his family.
A public Facebook group has been created for loved ones to share memories and in preparation for multiple events celebrating their lives.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
