A San Diego man died earlier this month following a rock climbing accident in Big Bear, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
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Andrew Ferrarone, 33, who lived in North Park, was climbing at one of his favorite spots, Castle Rock, with his wife and another couple July 12. While setting up his equipment, he fell roughly 20 feet.
He suffered head trauma, according to the sheriff’s department, and was hoisted by a rescue helicopter to the Loma Linda University Medical Center around 5:30 p.m.
Three days later, Ferrarone died.
“Andy is a pro-level rock climber,” said close friend Brian Cox. “He’s an expert at his craft. … He taught me how to rock climb.”
Ferrarone leaves behind his wife, Nina, who is more than eight weeks pregnant.
He grew up in Philadelphia and then Peachtree Corners, Ga., with triplet siblings, then lived in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe before moving to San Diego with Nina.
He worked as a software engineer with Cox before recently accepting a remote position in San Francisco.
“Andy is the single kindest person I know,” Cox said. “He was an angel we were borrowing for some time.”
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Ferrarone was an avid hobbyist, according to his obituary. He enjoyed rock climbing, snowboarding, tennis, photography, sailing, jazz piano, art and design, and skydiving, it states.
Cox said his long-time friend was the type to call him randomly to check in and ask to come over and cook him food.
“That’s how he behaves,” Cox said. “He’s the giving guy. … He’ll secretly pay for the bill.”
Cox started a GoFundMe to help his friend’s widow cover the cost of medical bills, rent and baby supplies.
“Your support will give Nina a chance to keep the home she and Andy made in San Diego, and ease the financial burden left in the wake of Andy’s passing,” the GoFundMe read.
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