David Vander Meer, who was arrested in June and charged with the 2006 death of his wife Bernadette, died by suicide in a Las Vegas jail cell on June 25, just days after his arrest.

Bernadette Vander Meer, then 29, died in August 2006 after falling from Angels Landing, a popular but dangerous hiking trail in Zion National Park, Utah. Her husband, David Vander Meer, told authorities at the time that she fell while he was preparing to take a photo of her. The incident was initially ruled an accident and the case was closed.

However, Bernadette's family and friends had long suspected David Vander Meer of foul play. They pointed to marital problems, prior infidelity, and a significant increase in the couple's life insurance policies from $150,000 to $600,000 shortly before her death.

"There were, if you think about it, all sorts of clues that he did it. I just wish the cops would have put them together… in the first place," said Dollie Wong, a longtime friend of Bernadette's. Bernadette's mother, Laura Gudenkauf, echoed these sentiments, stating, "He was a smart guy, and sneaky. People gave him the benefit of the doubt and he had everyone fooled."

According to her mother, Bernadette had confided that she was considering divorce after discovering her husband's affair with a minor member of his church youth group. Investigators reportedly did not inquire about infidelity during the initial investigation.

Bernadette's friends also expressed suspicions about the insurance payout. Kari Krute, a coworker, recalled Bernadette seeking advice about signing the paperwork for the increased policy. "I told her they didn't need it. But in hindsight, I'm sure David had been planning on offing her all along," Krute said.

Years later, renewed scrutiny of the case emerged when authorities received a tip in 2022 regarding Vander Meer's alleged grooming of teenagers while he served as a youth pastor. A woman, identified by the initials SH, came forward, stating that Vander Meer had groomed her starting at age 14 and that he had told her the only way they could be together was if Bernadette was no longer alive.

SH's statements, along with information from Vander Meer's former pastor, Barry Diamond, who accused him of inappropriate relationships with teens, led to Vander Meer's arrest on suspicion of murder. Investigators believe Vander Meer may have pushed his wife off the cliff.

David Vander Meer maintained his innocence until his death. His father, Howard Vander Meer, spoke with his son hours before he died. "He said it was just flimsy, circumstantial evidence against him, and I believe him," the elder Vander Meer stated. He also mentioned plans to scatter his son's ashes at the base of Angels Landing, where his wife's ashes were spread, a plan that has disturbed Bernadette's family and friends.

Washington County Attorney's Office Investigator Jessica Bate, credited by Bernadette's loved ones for pursuing the case, stated that Vander Meer's suicide was not the desired outcome, and prosecutors expect to close the criminal case next month.

Bernadette, who was an aspiring singer and cocktail waitress, was an experienced hiker who had completed the Angels Landing trail multiple times, further fueling doubts about the accident ruling. At least 18 people have died falling from the trail since 2000.