Mark Smythe, a distinguished composer hailing from New Zealand, tragically passed away while hiking on the Mount Wilson Trail in California, as confirmed by local authorities. His untimely death on Saturday, May 9, has sent shockwaves through the film scoring community in Los Angeles, where he was well-respected and influential.
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Emergency services were alerted to the situation at approximately 9:43 a.m. when reports surfaced of an unresponsive hiker near Rescue Ridge. Upon arrival, personnel from the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team found Smythe’s companions attempting to perform CPR. Despite the efforts of firefighters to provide medical assistance, the 53-year-old composer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have indicated that there were no signs of foul play involved in Smythe’s passing. Sierra Madre Police Department Sergeant J. Rodriguez noted that the composer had suffered a medical emergency prior to his death. Subsequent examinations by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was the cause, a condition linked to the accumulation of plaque within the arteries.
Mark Smythe held a significant position within the Los Angeles College of Music, where he served as the Department Chair for the Composing for Visual Media Programme. His contributions to the field were recognised not solely by his professional achievements but also through the respect he garnered from peers in the industry.
Fellow composer Bear McCreary expressed his deep sorrow over Smythe’s passing, describing him as a pivotal figure within the Los Angeles film scoring community. In a heartfelt social media tribute, McCreary remarked, “I was just chatting with him at a mutual friend’s birthday party a few short weeks ago. I always figured I’d get to know him better one day.” He urged individuals to cherish their time with loved ones, stating that Smythe’s passing serves as poignant reminder to do so while we can.
In an emotional note, Smythe’s sister, Kate Ward-Smythe, remembered him as a “fiercely talented” composer who died while enjoying one of his beloved pastimes—hiking. She described him fondly as her “darling little brother” and shared her anguish on social media following the news of his death.
Smythe’s passing marks a troubling trend on the Mount Wilson Trail, which has witnessed another fatal incident in the same week. Just days earlier, on May 2, another hiker named John McIntyre, 66, lost his life following a fall into a ravine on the same trail. Rescue teams were able to locate McIntyre, but sadly, he was discovered 30 feet below the path, and efforts to retrieve his body continued into the evening of the following day.
The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team, alongside local law enforcement agencies including the Arcadia and Sierra Madre Police Departments, has not yet provided further comments on the recent fatalities when approached for additional information.
As the community mourns the loss of Mark Smythe, tributes continue to pour in, reflecting both his professional legacy and the personal connections he fostered throughout his career. His death not only highlights the importance of health and safety while engaging in outdoor activities but also serves as a reminder to cherish moments with family and friends.