A ski patroller has died in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain in California. The accident happened on Friday morning, December 26. The popular resort was closed to the public at the time.
The victim was Cole Murphy, a 30-year-old ski patroller. He was performing avalanche safety work. This work is called avalanche mitigation. It is done to make slopes safer for skiers and snowboarders.
The incident occurred on Lincoln Mountain. A large storm had just hit the area. The storm dumped five feet of snow on the mountain since December 23.
What Happened?
Murphy was working with another patroller early Friday. The time was around 7:30 a.m. They were trying to prevent avalanches. While they worked, a sudden avalanche hit them. Both workers were buried in the snow.
Both patrollers were rescued and taken to a hospital. Cole Murphy was critically injured. He was later moved to another medical facility. He died from his injuries there.
The other patroller survived. He suffered several broken bones. He had successful surgery on Saturday. His name has not been released to the public. He is now recovering.
Who Was Cole Murphy?
Mammoth Mountain released a statement from Murphy’s family. They described him as a kind and caring person. He loved the mountains deeply. They said, “The mountain was where Cole felt most alive.”
His family said being a ski patroller was his calling. It was not just a job for him. He was very devoted to his partner, Hayley. They shared many adventures together. He was also very close to his family.
A Tragic Pattern
This is the second deadly avalanche for ski patrollers at Mammoth this year. Another patroller, Clare Murphy (no relation), died in a similar accident. That happened on February 14, 2025. She was also doing avalanche safety work on Lincoln Mountain.
About Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is a famous ski resort in California. It is near Yosemite National Park. It is the highest lift-served ski resort in the state. Lincoln Mountain is a specific area within the resort. It is known for its steep, avalanche-prone terrain.
The resort was closed from Friday through Sunday due to the dangerous conditions. Officials said heavy snow and high winds created significant avalanche risk.
The entire Mammoth Mountain community is mourning the loss of Cole Murphy. They remember him as a dedicated professional who died trying to keep others safe.
