Three tourists from Utah are sucked to their deaths by a STRAW HAMMER as they hike through a natural spectacle in California

Three tourists from Utah were killed when they were caught in a whirlpool while hiking at a popular tourist destination in California.

Jeannine Skinner, 34, David Bell, 48, and Pete On, 48, drowned Friday afternoon while canyoneering along the Seven Teacups Trail in Tulare County – about 80 miles northeast of Bakersfield.

The three friends and a group of others were nearing the end of their adventure when Jeannine decided to jump from the 1.20 meter deep abyss into a “small pool”.

David and Pete jumped after her when they realized that Jeannine had not surfaced because she was caught in the undercurrent.

They both managed to escape the strong current and went back into the water to rescue Jeannine. However, all three lost consciousness. Others tried to resuscitate them for more than 20 minutes, but they did not survive.

Pete On, 48 (left) and David Bell, 48, both jumped after Jeannine after she appeared to be struggling in a strong undercurrent

David's sisters Summerisa Bell Stevens and Valecia Green said the group had spent “a relaxing day canyoning together” before the fatal incident.

“The leader [of the group] “She made this trip, I think, 15 times, and now there was just the very last four-foot fall into a pool, a small pool,” Valecia told KSL-TV.

Steven added that from the top of Seven Teacups, no one would have been able to tell if there was anything wrong in the water.

“There was a circular current that they believe was caused by either a large log or a rock being pushed into that area,” she added.

“Pete immediately jumped into the water to help Jeannine. At one point he managed to escape the current and reached out his hand. She couldn't reach it, so he went back into the water and tried to save her.”

Her brother was also able to escape from the terrifying whirlpool, but when he saw that Pete was unconscious, he immediately rushed back in to help.

The three friends and 13 others were nearing the end of their hike when Jeannine decided to jump from a 4-foot-deep drop into a “small pond.” (Image: Seven Teacups Trail)

“These are three incredible people who will be greatly missed by their family, friends and the community at large,” said Valecia.

Friends and family of the trio expressed their grief and support in a Facebook group called “David, Jeannine, Pete Celebration of Life and Friendship.”

Jeannine, a registered dietitian and health coach, was remembered by her former roommate for her “big heart.”

Many people also posted videos of Jeannine and David having fun together on the dance floor.

In honor of the three, their dance community is hosting an event on Wednesday. Everyone has been asked to wear purple and will receive ribbons in honor of the three.

Valecia, David's older sister, said she will always remember her late brother as someone who always “helped people achieve a goal and then find joy in it,” she told the outlet.

Her brother co-founded the Harrington Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization in his hometown of American Fork, Utah.

David was also the owner of Runtastic Events, a group behind many marathons in Utah.

Valecia, David's older sister, said she will always remember her late brother as someone who always helped people achieve a goal and then find joy in doing so. (Image: David Bell)

Pete (right) is remembered as an “adventurer in the truest sense of the word.”

“He loved being outside, (and) he felt like he was connected to God outside,” Valecia said.

Aside from his hobbies, David was known as an uncle, son, brother and “incredible human being.”

His family has set up a GoFundMe page in Bell's memory. As of Sunday afternoon, the page had raised more than $7,100.

His memorial page states that Pete will be remembered as an “adventurer in the truest sense of the word.”

Besides canyoning, Pete also enjoyed surfing, soccer, volleyball and golf, among other outdoor activities.

“But more than his adventures, it was his love for family and friends that set him apart. Pete valued his relationships and always put those he cared about first,” the site states.

Jeannine, a registered dietitian and health coach, was remembered by her former roommate for her “big heart”

His family praised him for helping Jeannine and said he was just like them.

“I can't imagine a world without you. My heart has never hurt so much, and since your death you have taken up every minute of my waking hours,” said Pete's little sister Kauti.

“None of us are surprised that in your final moments here on earth you fought to save someone's life. That's your thing, a 'Pete' move. You couldn't help it,” she added.

The bodies of all three were recovered on Saturday and will be transported to Utah for burial.

A marathon to commemorate the victims is scheduled to take place in Payson on September 7.