A Las Vegas school counselor whose wife died from a fall while hiking on Angels Landing at Zion National Park nearly 20 years ago has been arrested on suspicion of murder and insurance fraud in connection with her death, according to authorities in Utah.
David Vander Meer was arrested in Las Vegas by the U.S. Marshals on Monday in connection with the Aug. 22, 2006, death of Bernadette Vander Meer, according to a press release from the Washington County Attorney’s Office.
According to the release, authorities reopened the investigation into the woman’s death after receiving a tip. The release also thanked a lieutenant investigator, Jessica Bate, for her “diligent efforts” in investigating the case. The release said David Vander Meer was a former youth pastor.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Bernadette Vander Meer’s death after park officials in August 2006 said she fell roughly 1,200 feet from the trail while hiking with her husband. She was 29.
A Review-Journal obituary published Aug. 26, 2006, described Bernadette Vander Meer as a devoted wife and daughter and said she worked at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
“She loved family, friends, nature, music, and performing on stage,” Vander Meer’s obituary read.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office urged anyone with additional information to contact 435-301-7100.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Casey Harrison at charrison@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Casey_Harrison1 on X.
