A 33-year-old expectant father has died from injuries sustained in a rock climbing accident in Big Bear, California, leaving his pregnant wife to face parenthood without him.

Andrew Paul Ferrarone, known to friends and family as Andy, was rock climbing on July 12, 2026, when the accident occurred. He died three days later, on July 15, from the injuries he suffered.

Ferrarone, a Georgia native who later lived in California, worked as a software engineer. He was remembered by those close to him for his love of the outdoors, gentleness, and generosity. He and his wife, Nina, had recently learned they were expecting; she was just over eight weeks pregnant at the time of his death.

Nina, a flight attendant, has taken time off work. Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills from the accident as well as expenses related to the baby’s arrival and her first year of motherhood. The campaign has already received significant support.

Memorial services are planned in both San Diego and Georgia. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and prepare for the arrival of Andy’s child.

Sources

• New York Post reporting on the accident and family details