The Seven Teacups Trail in the Sierra Nevada, where three friends tragically lost their lives trying to save each other last week, 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 could also make the trail dangerous, even deadly.
Tulare County firefighters responded to a report of a drowning on the trail near Johnsondale around 5:20 p.m. Friday and discovered three people dead at the scene, according to local media reports.
The three victims, identified as Utah residents David Bell, 48, Jeannine Skinner, 34, and Peter On, 48, were part of a group of 13 people who had gone canyoneering. They were nearing the end of the trail when the tragedy occurred.
The Seven Teacups Trail runs for approximately 4 miles and follows Dry Meadow Creek. The trail passes through a rocky canyon containing “teacups,” or pools, before ending along the Kern River.
Reviewers describe the trail as hot, hard, and technical, meaning it can't be hiked; you'll need to know how to use ropes to rappel down some parts of the canyon or climb back up. However, “the technical descent is relatively short, and because the terrain is relatively forgiving with short jumps and multiple escape points, this canyon is a perfect practice ground before attempting the longer, more difficult C-class canyons in the Sierra,” according to climbing site Ropewiki.
The American Canyoning Association classifies Seven Teacups as a 3C, meaning it requires intermediate technical skills and has running water with strong currents. It takes about a full day to complete.
An AllTrails review posted on August 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 smooth rock walls that offer no grip,” the study said. “Use a stick, arm or leg to try to assess the currents. These circular pools are formed by circular currents. Look for bubbles and watch them move beneath the surface. If you can’t see the bottom, be very careful.”
David Bell's sister, Cyndi Bell Miller, wrote on Facebook that Skinner was rappelling into a pool when she got caught in a whirlpool. On and Bell jumped in to try to rescue her, but they also got caught.
Tragically, all three drowned in the process.
“They were able to get their bodies out in about seven minutes and immediately performed CPR on them and continued to do so for about 20 minutes, but were unable to revive either of them,” Miller wrote.
Family members and loved ones of the three friends have also posted online about the victims.
“Pete’s love of the outdoors was contagious – surfing, canyoneering, skiing, volleyball, soccer and golf were just a few of the activities that filled his active life,” according to his online obituary. “But more than his adventures, what defined him was his love of family and friends. Pete valued his relationships and always put those he cared about first.”
According to a GoFundMe page set up to cover Skinner's funeral costs, Skinner loved being outdoors.
“She was always the first to intervene on behalf of others and to establish peace in the face of conflict,” the page said. “Perhaps it was the sparkle in her eyes or her natural smile that brought out the best in everyone. She will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.”
Bell was a co-founder of the nonprofit Harrington Center for the Arts. The organization posted a tribute to Bell on social media after learning of his passing.
“David brought joy to hundreds of thousands of runners through the races he organized at his company, Runtastic Events, and through events at the 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 people reached new heights.”
