Friends of Sugarloaf resident Cassidy Bennett have said that he died doing what he loved when, on Saturday evening, he and a friend were bicycling on Maple Lane when a wind gust knocked his hat in front of his face, prompting him to drift to the roadside and fall into a drainage ditch, striking his head. Bennett, a 1993 graduate of Big Bear High School, had a passion for mountain biking, say friends; a lover of the outdoors, he also spent a great deal of time snowboarding, camping, fishing, skating, surfing, or cheering on 15-year-old son Zech, who plays football for the Bears. The news of Bennett’s passing on July 18 has been difficult for family, including mom Michele and Uncle Russ of Sugarloaf and friends, many of whom had seen him on Wednesday, when he celebrated his 35th birthday. Friends of Bennett tell KBHR, “Cassidy’s main mission in life was to make people laugh. He was quick-witted and clever, and was a true friend and proud father.” A celebration of life in honor of Bennett will be held this Sunday, July 26 at B’s Backyard BarBQ, from noon to 3pm. A memorial account has also been established in Cassidy Bennett’s name at First Mountain Bank to assist his family which, friends note, also includes his dog Wiser.
