A former Las Vegas youth pastor charged in connection with his wife’s 2006 death at Zion National Park has died while in custody. His passing was confirmed days before an extradition hearing was scheduled to begin. David Vander Meer, 49, had been arrested earlier this week on murder and insurance fraud charges stemming from the death of his first wife, Bernadette Vander Meer.
Ex-Las Vegas Youth Pastor Dies Before Court Hearing
David Vander Meer died Thursday after being transported from the Clark County Detention Center to a local hospital for treatment of what Las Vegas Metropolitan Police described as “self-sustained injuries.”
During a scheduled extradition hearing in Las Vegas Justice Court, Judge Eric Goodman informed those present that Vander Meer had died before proceedings could begin. Per NBC News, court records later confirmed that he was no longer listed as an inmate at the detention center.
Police did not publicly identify the deceased inmate. However, authorities confirmed that a 49-year-old man died after being taken to a hospital from the detention facility. Vander Meer was 49 years old.
His death came only days after authorities arrested him in Las Vegas on a warrant issued by prosecutors in Washington County, Utah. Investigators had charged him with one count of murder and one count of insurance fraud related to the death of his first wife nearly two decades ago.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office alleged that the long-running investigation uncovered new witness testimony and evidence, prompting prosecutors to file charges in 2026.
Investigation Reopened Nearly Two Decades After Zion National Park Tragedy
According to investigators, David and Bernadette Vander Meer traveled to Zion National Park in southern Utah to celebrate their wedding anniversary on Aug. 22, 2006. Court documents state the couple began hiking Angel’s Landing before sunrise while wearing headlamps.
Vander Meer told investigators that after reaching the summit, he prepared to photograph the sunrise while his wife stood near the cliff’s edge. He said he briefly turned away to move their backpacks before hearing her scream and discovering she had fallen.
For years, Bernadette’s death was treated as an accidental fall. However, investigators reopened the case after receiving information from a former member of Vander Meer’s church youth group in 2022. According to the probable cause affidavit, the witness alleged Vander Meer had maintained an inappropriate relationship with her while she was a teenager.
The affidavit states the woman told investigators she ended the relationship shortly before the Zion National Park trip because she believed it was wrong. She later claimed Vander Meer had told her that “the only way they could be together is if Bernadette was not alive.”
Investigators also alleged Vander Meer later married the woman in 2008 after Bernadette’s death. Prosecutors further accused him of insurance fraud related to life insurance proceeds following his wife’s death.
He Faced Additional Allegations During Investigation
The probable cause affidavit also detailed allegations surrounding Vander Meer’s time as a youth pastor in Las Vegas. According to investigators, a former church supervisor contacted authorities in 2025 and expressed concerns that Bernadette’s death may not have been accidental.
The affidavit also states Vander Meer had previously been dismissed from his church position after allegations involving inappropriate conduct with underage members of the congregation. Investigators interviewed several former associates during the renewed investigation. The affidavit alleges Vander Meer later divorced his second wife and subsequently married two more times.
