A professional ski patroller has died following an avalanche incident on a California mountain, the second such tragedy at the resort this year.
Tragedy Strikes During Routine Safety Work
Cole Murphy, aged 30, succumbed to injuries sustained when he was caught in an avalanche on Lincoln Mountain. The incident occurred on Friday, 26 December 2025, while Murphy and a colleague were conducting essential avalanche mitigation work for the Mammoth Mountain ski resort.
According to an official statement from the resort, both patrollers were fully caught in the slide. They were subsequently transported to a nearby medical facility. Murphy sustained what were described as critical, life-threatening injuries. The second patroller was evaluated for potential broken bones.
A Life Lived for the Mountains
Murphy's family released a heartfelt statement paying tribute to his character and passion. They described the mountains as the place where he "felt most alive" and said his role on the ski patrol was far more than a job—it was a "calling."
"In these tender days, he is held close by the family and friends who cherished him deeply," the statement read. "Cole moved through the world with kindness, intention, and a wholehearted devotion to the life he chose."
His family also spoke of his deep love for his partner, Hayley, calling her his "joy" and "steady place in the world." They noted his warm, generous spirit that drew people to him.
A Dangerous History on Lincoln Mountain
Tragically, this is not the first fatal incident involving the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol on this terrain in recent months. In February of the same year, patroller Claire Murphy was fatally injured while performing similar avalanche mitigation work in an area known as "The Avy Chutes." That accident followed a major storm that deposited six feet of snow in 36 hours.
Mammoth Mountain, located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada range, boasts a summit elevation of 11,053 feet and operates as a four-season resort. The resort confirmed that the second patroller involved in the December incident underwent successful surgery and was in recovery as of Saturday, 28 December.
The Independent has contacted Mammoth Mountain for further comment on the latest tragedy and the ongoing risks faced by safety personnel.
