David Vander Meer, a former youth pastor and Las Vegas yoga instructor, died in custody only days after U.S. Marshals arrested him on allegations that he murdered his wife, authorities said.
News Agency confirmed that Vander Meer died before a hearing scheduled for Thursday. Clark County Office of the Coroner records show he died that day, with the case listed as “pending investigation.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said a 49-year-old male inmate at the Clark County Detention Center was transported Wednesday to University Medical Center “to be treated for self-sustained injuries,” though police did not identify him by name. Officials said the man died Thursday.
According to police, the inmate had been held at CCDC since June 22 and was wanted as a fugitive out of another state. Authorities said the coroner would release the inmate’s identity, along with the cause and manner of death.
A headshot of Bernadette Vander Meer, whose husband David is accused of pushing her off a cliff. Bernadette was 29 years old when she died. (KTSU)
Vander Meer had been accused in the death of his wife, Bernadette Vander Meer.
Investigators allege Bernadette died after she “fell” during a 2006 hike with her husband in Utah’s Zion National Park.
The case was initially closed, but investigators reopened it nearly two decades later, in 2025.
📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com
🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns
READ MORE: Video Captures Fiery Plane Crash on Highway as Aircraft Breaks in Two
A senior pastor at a church where Vander Meer had worked alerted authorities that he did not think Bernadette’s death was accidental, a probable cause affidavit says.
A possible social media account for Vander Meer says he also worked as a school counselor.
David Vander Meer, who was arrested by U.S. Marshals on a murder charge in his wife’s death, died in custody. (Instagram/Meta)
The affidavit goes on to say, “At the time, due to a lack of evidence, and limited investigation, Bernadette Vander Meer’s fall was ruled an accident and the case was closed — although investigators felt the circumstances were suspicious.”
Angels Landing, pictured here in Zion National Park, is regarded as one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S., with steep drop-offs where hikers must cling to chains along a knife-edge ridge. (iStock)
U.S. Marshals arrested Vander Meer on charges of murder and insurance fraud on Monday. After a lengthy investigation, prosecutors charged him with murder and insurance fraud.
Vander Meer was due in court on Thursday. Justice of the Peace Eric Goodman announced in court Thursday morning that Vander Meer was dead, local news outlet KLAS reported.
The suspect was jailed at Clark County Detention Center and awaiting extradition from Nevada to Utah, according to the outlet.
