Cole Murphy, a 30-year-old ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain in California, has died from injuries sustained in an avalanche accident that occurred during avalanche mitigation work on Friday.
Mammoth Mountain confirmed Murphy’s death on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. PST in an incident update. Murphy was one of two patrollers caught in the avalanche on Lincoln Mountain while performing pre-operational safety duties.
Newsweek reached out to Mammoth Mountain on Sunday via email for additional comment.
Avalanche Fatalities in the U.S.
Each winter, 25 to 30 people die in avalanches across the United States, according to the National Avalanche Center.
Colorado has recorded the highest number of avalanche deaths, with 325 fatalities since 1950, followed by Alaska with 172 deaths during the same period.
In 2021, Czech billionaire Petr Kellner and four others were killed in a heli-skiing helicopter crash near Knik Glacier, north of Anchorage. A year later, a heli-ski guide scouting terrain for clients died after being swept 1,500 feet (457 meters) down a mountain by an avalanche.
What To Know
The avalanche occurred on Lincoln Mountain Friday morning during standard avalanche control operations conducted before the ski area opened to the public. Following the accident, Murphy was immediately transported to Mammoth Hospital with serious injuries before being airlifted out of the area for further medical care.
Mammoth Mountain closed for the remainder of the day following the incident. The resort had received significant snowfall in the days leading up to the accident, creating conditions that required extensive avalanche mitigation work. Murphy’s family released a statement through Mammoth Mountain describing skiing and ski patrol work as his calling, noting that “the mountain was where Cole felt most alive.”
Murphy is survived by his partner Hayley, whom his family described as “his partner, his joy, his steady place in the world,” along with his parents and extended family.
Family’s Full Statement
Murphy’s family shared a statement with the Mammoth Mountain Incident Update on Sunday: “With hearts that are aching and full of love, we share the passing of our beloved son, Cole Murphy, who was involved in a tragic accident at Mammoth Mountain. He was just 30 years old. In these tender days, he is held close by the family and friends who cherished him deeply. Cole moved through the world with kindness, intention, and a wholehearted devotion to the life he chose.
The mountain was where Cole felt most alive. 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 a calling. To his ski patrol family, the ones who worked beside him, had confidence in him, and shared a bond shaped by snow, service, and unwavering camaraderie: thank you for loving him as one of your own. That brotherhood meant more to him than words can ever express.
At the center of Cole’s heart was Hayley—his partner, his joy, his steady place in the world. Their love was built on adventure, laughter, and a connection that ran deep. She is forever a part of who he was, and always will be. Cole also held his family close, meeting life with an easy smile, a generous spirit, and a warmth that drew people in wherever he went.
We find ourselves without the right words, but never without love. We are profoundly grateful for the compassion, tenderness, and support that have surrounded our family during this unimaginable time. As we begin to navigate the path ahead, we carry with us the memories, the love, and the bright, enduring light that Cole brought into all of our lives.”
What Happens Next?
Murphy’s family has not yet announced memorial service arrangements.
The second patroller involved in the accident continues to recover from his injuries.
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