Father-to-be falls to his death during freak accident while rock climbing

Published: 06:27, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 06:27, 30 July 2026 A father-to-be tragically died during a freak accident while rock climbing in California. Andy Paul Ferrarone, 33, plunged while climbing near Castle Rock in Big Bear on July 12, triggering a rescue response from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit around 5.25pm, SFGate reported. The sheriff's department said Ferrarone slipped on a rocky slope, plummeting about 20 ft and suffering severe head trauma.  CPR was started before rescuers hoisted him to safety and flew him to Loma Linda University Medical Center.  The 33-year-old spent days on life support before he died on July 15, per his obituary. He is survived by his wife, Nina, who is nine weeks pregnant and preparing to raise their child as a single mother.  'While [Nina] bravely committed to keep the baby, she now faces the challenge of preparing for parenthood alone,' a GoFundMe page stated. Andy Paul Ferrarone, 33, and his wife Nina, Ferrarone died during a rock climbing fall 'As a flight attendant, Nina took time off work when she learned she was expecting, and now she must navigate rent, a mountain of medical bills, and the costs of welcoming a child without Andy by her side,' it added. The support will help ease Nina’s financial burden, covering Ferrarone's medical expenses, rent, and baby necessities as she begins motherhood alone.  Loved ones remembered the couple as 'warm, outgoing, and full of love,' saying their bond left a lasting impact on everyone they met.  The fundraiser’s organizers say their mission is to 'honor Andy’s memory and ensure his legacy lives on through their baby.' The soon-to-be father was raised in Philadelphia and became 'an accomplished and widely respected software engineer,' according to his obituary.  He was also born as part of a set of triplets.  Ferrarone was an avid adventurer with passions that stretched far beyond rock climbing, including snowboarding, tennis, photography, sailing, and art. Nina is nine weeks pregnant and preparing to raise their child as a single mother A GoFundMe set up for Nina will help ease her financial burden, covering Ferrarone's medical expenses, rent, and baby necessities as she begins motherhood alone 'Andy is a pro-level rock climber,' Brian Cox, a friend of Ferrarone, in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune. 'He’s an expert at his craft.' The obituary photos painted a picture of Ferrarone’s life, showing him enjoying outdoor adventures, meals with loved ones, and cherished moments with his wife and their German Shepherd, Rocco. As of Tuesday, donations had surpassed $57,000 toward the $65,000 goal.