Woman's cliff death ruled an accident for 20 years before o…

Fall Injury Alabama Today in Alabama: Bernadette Vander Meer, 29, died on August 22, 2006, after falling from a cliff while hiking to Angel's Landing with her husband David Vander Meer to mark their anniversary. Her death was initially ruled an accident due to lack of evidence, though investigators found the circumstances suspicious. In April 2022, police received a tip from a former member of Vander Meer's church youth group, leading to a renewed investigation. David Vander Meer, 49, a former youth pastor from Las Vegas, was arrested and charged with murder and insurance fraud in connection with her death, with handwritten letters and witness statements indicating marital and financial control issues.