Coroner’s office releases autopsy report for David Vander Meer

Coroner’s office releases autopsy report for David Vander Meer An autopsy released Monday detailed how David Vander Meer, a 49‑year‑old inmate, died by self‑strangulation in the Clark County Detention Center. According to the report, he used two strips of bedding to hang himself. Metropolitan Police Department corrections officers last saw him alive at approximately 9 p.m. on June 24 in his cell. About thirty minutes later, officers found him “in a prone position,” leaning forward and bound to an immovable metal stool. Officers summoned medical staff, entered the cell and cut the ligature with a spot‑loop cutter. Shortly after 10 p.m., Vander Meer was transported to the trauma unit at University Medical Center. He was pronounced dead soon after 2:30 a.m. on June 25. The autopsy noted that Vander Meer had no known prior suicide attempts or verbalizations. His spouse spoke with him on June 23 and said he appeared to be his usual self “under the circumstances.” Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill had previously stated that Vander Meer “strangled himself in an unusual and novel way.” Vander Meer left a suicide note and a will in which he maintained his innocence regarding the alleged killing of his wife. In the note he wrote: “I didn't kill her,” David Vander Meer wrote. “I never thought it would lead to an arrest. The further allegations I have heard about are mostly false, but not entirely.” “They paint a picture that can't be escaped. They spell conviction.” Vander Meer was accused of intentionally pushing his wife, Bernadette Vander Meer, off a cliff at Angels Landing during a 2006 hike with the Las Vegas couple. Authorities said he, a former youth pastor, was motivated by an affair with a 16‑year‑old girl in the youth group he led; the relationship began when she was 16. He was arrested on June 22 outside a yoga studio in Summerlin, where he worked, and also served as a counselor at Somerset Academy Lone Mountain. Utah authorities had originally deemed Bernadette Vander Meer’s death suspicious. The case was reopened in 2022 after a tip from a former youth group member alleged that Vander Meer had used his position to groom children. If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line is a free, national service available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.