A 33-year-old expecting father from San Diego died after taking a fall while rock climbing in Big Bear Lake earlier this month, authorities said.
Andrew Ferrarone died at a hospital on Wednesday, July 15, two days after the climbing accident on Sunday, July 12, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and coroner’s officials.
The incident unfolded just before 5:30 p.m. in the Castle Rock Trail area, according to sheriff’s department spokeswoman Gloria Orejel.
Ferrarone “fell down a rocky slope and suffered head trauma,” she said.
First responders performed CPR as the injured man was hoisted into a rescue helicopter and rushed to a trauma center, officials said.
Victim survived by pregnant wife
Ferrarone, also known as “Andy,” remain on life support until his death on July 15, loved ones said in a memorial accompanying an online fundraiser to aid his wife, who was eight weeks pregnant.
The fund had garnered more than $45,000 in community donations as of Tuesday, July 28.
“Nina, the loving wife of Andy and a dear friend to many, is facing an unimaginable loss,” the statement said. “Nina is 8 weeks pregnant, and while she bravely committed to keep the baby, she now faces the challenge of preparing for parenthood alone.”
“As a flight attendant, Nina took time off work when she learned she was expecting, and now she must navigate rent, a mountain of medical bills, and the costs of welcoming a child without Andy by her side,” the statement added.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Expecting father, 33, killed in Big Bear Lake rock climbing accident
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
