A FORMER church youth pastor has been charged with killing his wife nearly 20 years after she fell to her death from a popular hiking spot.

David Vander Meer, 48, has been charged with murder and insurance fraud in connection with the 2006 death of his wife, Bernadette Vander Meer, according to the Washington County Attorney’s Office.

 

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The charges follow a fresh investigation which was sparked by new information from a former church supervisor who questioned whether the death had been accidental.

According to court documents, the new intel surround the incident claimed David Vander Meer had pushed his wife from Angels Landing, a steep and narrow trail in Utah known for its dramatic cliffs and drop-offs.

Bernadette, 28, died on August 22, 2006, while visiting Zion National Park from their home in Las Vegas.

Angels Landing is among the most visited, challenging and dangerous hikes in the United States.

The 5.4 mile round-trip trail climbs about 1,500 feet and ends along a narrow sandstone ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides.

The route also includes sections where hikers use chains for support.

Investigators said the pair had set out before sunrise and hiked to Angels Landing to take pH๏τographs.

David Vander Meer told detectives he was moving backpacks when his wife fell.

He reported hearing her scream and said he then ran along the trail in search of someone with better cellphone reception to call emergency services.

Searchers later found Bernadette’s body at the base of the formation, but at the time investigators found no obvious signs of violence.

Court records indicate a search of the couple’s H๏τel room uncovered no evidence of a struggle, and authorities reported no indications of a physical altercation.

The reopened investigation, however, is now focused on evidence that prosecutors say points to possible motives.

Court documents allege that while serving as a youth pastor, Vander Meer was involved in a Sєxual relationship with an underage member of his church.

Investigators said he later told the girl that they could only be together if his wife “were not alive.”

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The relationship reportedly continued for several years and ended the day before the Vander Meers left for their trip, after the woman, who had reached legal age, broke it off.

Authorities have also examined the couple’s finances.

According to court records, the couple initially carried life insurance policies worth about $150,000 each when they purchased a home together.

Investigators said those policies were later increased to approximately $600,000 each.

After Bernadette’s death, one of her co-workers at the New York-New York H๏τel & Casino in Las Vegas contacted police with concerns about the circumstances surrounding the case.

The co-worker told investigators she had worked with her for six years but had met David Vander Meer only once and briefly.

She also said he rarely attended social gatherings or work-related events with his wife.

The co-worker further told investigators that after the couple sold a condominium, Vander Meer purchased a Cadillac SUV worth about $50,000.

The vehicle, according to court records, was later stolen and insurance proceeds paid off the loan.

Within a few years of his wife’s death, Vander Meer was dismissed from his church position amid allegations that he hosted parties for underage church members and supplied alcohol to them, court records state.

He later married the former church congregant with whom investigators say he had been involved.

That marriage ended in divorce in 2014.

Vander Meer has not been charged with any crimes related to the alleged relationship with the church member.

The murder and insurance fraud charges stem solely from the investigation into Bernadette Vander Meer’s death.

The U.S. Sun has contacted the Washington County Attorney’s Office, but is yet to hear back.