Family of Utah tourist who died saving friend in whirlpool say he was a 'hero'

Family and friends of a Utah tourist who died after being sucked into a whirlpool have paid tribute to the 'heroic' man.

Jeannine Skinner, 34, David Bell, 48, and Pete On, 48, drowned while canyoneering along the trail in Tulare County - about 80 miles northeast of Bakersfield - on August 23. 

The trio and a group of others were nearing the end of their adventure when Jeannine decided to jump from the four-foot drop into a 'little pool.' 

David and Pete then jumped in after her when they realized Jeannine failed to surface after getting trapped in the undercurrent. The three of them lost consciousness and attempts to revive them using CPR failed. 

 David's family and friends today described his actions as 'heroic' while tributes poured in for the other two victims.

The trio and a group of others were nearing the end of their adventure when Jeannine (pictured) decided to jump from the four-foot drop into a 'little pool.' 

David Bell's family called his actions 'an act of heroism' in a new interview

When an Inside Edition interviewer said that the incident sounded like 'an act of heroism', his sister Valencia Greene quickly agreed and said, 'yes, yes it is' on behalf of the family. 

The Harrington Center for the Arts - of which Bell was founding member- also made an announcement in his honor. 

'David is a hero. 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. 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.

'David deeply cared about the community and giving back. Each of his 11 races supported a local charity, benefiting causes like cancer research, children with autism, mental health, veterans, youth athletics, and the arts.'

Sister Valencia Greene and other members of Bell's family reminisced him in a new interview

Sarah McConkie, a friend of Skinner's remembered her and said on a Facebook group called 'David, Jeannine, Pete Celebration of Life and Friendship.' : 'I felt out of place in a high school where most of my junior high had been split off to go to another high school and I didn't know very many people.

'Jeannine Skinner, Ashley Brooke Bell and I were some of the few sophomores who were in the school play and bonded over being mutually intimidated by all the juniors and seniors there.

'Jeannine was gentle and kind and lovely, but along with it had this mischievous spunk that would jump out and make me laugh SO hard. She was adventurous in ways I never dared to be. Love you so much, Jeannine. I can't wait to hug you again.'

Paul Dozier, a friend of On's also wrote on a Facebook group: 'I met Pete about 12 years ago through some mutual friends. We hit it off instantly - apparently a common occurrence with Pete.

'One of my fondest memories of Pete - the time he lent me a board. After I accidentally dinged it, I begged forgiveness and asked what I could do to repay him. He laughed and said, don’t worry about the board cuz it was his roommate’s. And best of luck breaking the news to him! That was so Pete.

'He lived life to the fullest. He shared that full life with his friends. And then he gave his life for them. No hesitation. No regrets. It’s been way too long since we’ve hung out. And now I’ll have to wait a bit more.' 

David's sisters, Summerisa Bell Stevens and Valecia Green previously said that the group 'had a seamless day canyoneering together' before the fatal incident. 

The three friends and 13 others were nearing the end of their hike when Jeannine decided to jump from a four-foot drop into a 'small pool.' (pictured: Seven Teacups trail)

'The leader [of the group] had done this trip, I think she said 15 times, so it was just the very last four-foot drop into a pool, a little pool,' Valecia told KSL-TV. 

Steven added that from the top of Seven Teacups nobody would've been able to notice if something was off in the water. 

'There was a circular current that they think was caused by either a large log or a rock that was pushed into that area,' she added. 

'Pete immediately jumped into the water to help Jeannine. At one point he got out and he was able to get away from the current and extended his hand and she couldn’t reach it so he went back in to try to get her.' 

In the midst of the frightening whirlpool, their brother was also able to break free but after he saw Pete unconscious he went right back in to help. 

'These are three amazing, amazing individuals that will be very missed by family, friends and the community at large,' Valecia said. 

Jeannine, a registered dietitian nutritionist and health care coach has been remembered for her 'big heart' by her former roommate. 

Many people also posted videos of Jeannine and David having fun on the dance floor together. 

In honor of the three of them, their dance community will be hosting an event on Wednesday. Everyone has been asked to wear purple and will receive ribbons to pay tribute.