A dedicated ski patroller who devoted his life to protecting others on the slopes has tragically died after being caught in an avalanche while performing critical safety work at one of California’s most challenging mountain resorts.
Story Overview
- Cole Murphy, 30, died from injuries sustained in avalanche during mitigation work at Mammoth Mountain
- Second patroller injured with possible broken bones during Friday morning incident on Lincoln Mountain
- Resort received over five feet of snow in 72 hours, creating extreme avalanche conditions
- This marks the second ski patrol fatality at Mammoth Mountain this year during avalanche mitigation
Heroic Service Cut Short by Nature’s Fury
Cole Murphy, a 30-year-old ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain, lost his life performing the dangerous work that keeps recreational skiers safe. On Friday morning, December 26, 2025, Murphy and a colleague were conducting avalanche mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain when tragedy struck.
The avalanche occurred around 7:30 a.m., before the resort opened to the public, as the two patrollers worked to secure the mountain for visitors.
BREAKING UPDATE 🚨🚨#MammothMountain #California
Mammoth Mountain Resort has confirmed that 1 of the Ski Patrol members injured in an avalanche on Friday has passed away as a result of injuries sustained. Cole Murphy was 30 years old. Attached is a message from his family. https://t.co/ZzbS3S5Ksr pic.twitter.com/yHH2GH0zKF
— OC Scanner 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 (@OC_Scanner) December 29, 2025
Extreme Weather Creates Deadly Conditions
The incident followed an unprecedented weather event that dumped more than five feet of snow on Mammoth Mountain within 72 hours. This massive snowfall, accompanied by relentless winds and heavy precipitation across California, created extremely hazardous avalanche conditions.
Resort officials suspended all operations on Friday due to the high avalanche danger and kept the mountain closed through Saturday, demonstrating the severity of the situation.
Pattern of Risk for Mountain Safety Heroes
This tragedy marks the second ski patrol fatality at Mammoth Mountain this year, with another patroller dying in February during similar avalanche mitigation work. These incidents highlight the inherent dangers faced by the brave men and women who risk their lives to ensure mountain safety.
Located at California’s highest lift-served resort with a summit reaching 11,053 feet, Mammoth Mountain presents unique challenges due to its extreme elevation and position along Yosemate National Park’s border.
Remembering a Life of Purpose and Dedication
Murphy’s family described him as someone who “moved through the world with kindness, intention, and a wholehearted devotion to the life he chose.” They emphasized that serving on ski patrol wasn’t merely a job for Murphy but represented his true calling.
His commitment to protecting others exemplifies the selfless spirit that drives these mountain safety professionals to face dangerous conditions daily, ensuring families can enjoy winter recreation safely.
