A ski patroller has died following an avalanche during mitigation work at Mammoth Mountain.
According to Mammoth Mountain, the Ski Patrol was conducting avalanche mitigation on Lincoln Mountain when a slide occurred, burying two patrollers. The incident was first reported on December 26.
Initially, Mammoth officials said one patroller sustained serious injuries and was transported for further medical care, while the second patroller was being evaluated for possible broken bones.
In an update on December 27, Mammoth reported that one of the injured patrollers had undergone successful surgery, but there was no immediate update on the condition of the other.
On December 28, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of the patrollers, Cole Murphy, had died from his injuries.
Mammoth Mountain said Murphy was an experienced ski patroller with a deep passion for working in the mountains.
In a statement, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office said, “Please hold Cole’s family, friends, and coworkers close in your heart. We consider our ski patrollers to be first responders and, therefore, family. We grieve his loss and thank him for his service. Rest easy, Cole.”
In the wake of Murphy’s death, the community has rallied to support his loved ones. Friends have created a GoFundMe to help cover living expenses and allow Murphy’s family and partner the time they need to grieve and remember him. As of now, more than 250 people have donated over $25,000.
If anyone would like to donate to support Murphy’s loved ones, a link to the GoFundMe can be found by clicking here.
According to the GoFundMe page, “As many of you know, our dear friend, Cole Murphy, tragically lost his life in an accident at Mammoth Mountain earlier this week. Our hearts ache with his family, friends, and partner as they navigate this unimaginable time.”
A message from Murphy’s family can be found below.
