A dedicated ski patroller has died after being caught in an avalanche while working to make slopes safer at one of California's most famous ski resorts.
Tragedy on Lincoln Mountain
Cole Murphy, aged 30, suffered fatal injuries in the avalanche at Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 7:30 am while the resort was closed to the public. Murphy and a colleague were conducting avalanche mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain following a major storm that had dumped significant snow on the area.
Both patrollers were struck by the sudden slide. They were transported to a nearby hospital. Murphy, who was critically injured, was later moved to another facility where he sadly passed away. The other worker, who has not been named publicly, was treated for multiple broken bones. He underwent successful surgery on Saturday and is now recovering.
A Resort in Mourning
Mammoth Mountain was closed from Friday through to Sunday following the tragedy. Resort officials noted the area had been hit by five feet of snow since December 23rd, with heavy snowfall and high winds persisting for days.
The resort shared a heartfelt statement from Murphy's family, who described him as a kind, caring individual devoted to both his family and his career. "The mountain was where Cole felt most alive," the statement read. "It was his place of purpose, his community and his second home. Serving on ski patrol wasn't just a role for him - it was his calling."
His family highlighted that his partner, Hayley, was the "centre of Cole's heart" and that he was a warm, generous person who drew people to him.
A Dangerous and Recurring Risk
This tragic event marks the second fatal avalanche involving a Mammoth Mountain ski patroller in less than a year. Clare Murphy, 25, died in a similar incident on the same Lincoln Mountain on February 14th. She was also performing avalanche mitigation work at the time.
The recent severe weather was driven by an atmospheric river storm, a band of intense moisture that can cause heavy precipitation and strong winds. Lincoln Mountain, a volcanic dome northeast of the main summit, stands at roughly 10,100 feet and is known for its challenging terrain and precipitous avalanche chutes.
Located on the border of Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain is California's highest lift-served ski resort, making avalanche safety work a critical, yet perilous, necessity for its operations.
