Composer Mark Smythe Dies on Mount Wilson Trail

On Saturday, May 9, at 9:43 a.m., 53-year-old composer Mark Smythe was found unresponsive on the Mount Wilson Trail near Rescue Ridge. Friends performed CPR while Sierra Madre firefighters administered aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later identified atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the cause of death. This was the trail’s second fatality in a week, after 66-year-old John McIntyre fell 30 feet into a ravine on May 2.

Daily Beast

Born in New Zealand and based in Los Angeles, Smythe scored *The Possessed*, *Love You Like That*, and the Netflix series *The Reef: Stalked*, earning SCL and World Soundtrack Award nominations. He served as Department Chair of Composing for Visual Media at the Los Angeles College of Music (starting summer 2025), was COO of the Society of Composers and Lyricists, and performed regularly with the composer collective The Night Temple.

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Key participants were Mark Smythe (53), composer Bear McCreary, and Smythe’s sisters Kate Ward-Smythe and Pepe Becker. The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team led the response; Sierra Madre Police confirmed a medical emergency. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the cause of death. The incident occurred at 9:43 a.m. on the Mount Wilson Trail near Rescue Ridge. It follows a May 2 fatality of 66-year-old John McIntyre, who fell 30 feet into a ravine on the same trail. Authorities reported no foul play.

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Smythe’s death prompted tributes from composers, students, and industry groups, underscoring his influence on film scoring and music education. The incident also renewed attention to Mount Wilson Trail hazards; local officials advise hikers to prepare for medical emergencies, carry safety gear, and respect the trail’s steep terrain.

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The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team issued a statement expressing condolences and thanking assisting hikers. Sierra Madre Police confirmed a medical emergency. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office initially released no cause of death; later reports identified atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. No evidence of foul play was reported.

People Magazine

“Sierra Madre Search and Rescue extends our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased man. We also extend our thanks to the man’s friends and other hikers who assisted today.” — Sierra Madre Search and Rescue

Variety Magazine

“His passing is a stark reminder to spend time with the people you care about while you can,” — Bear McCreary, composer

People Magazine

“ Smythe's sister, Kate Ward-Smythe, said her “darling little brother” was a “fiercely talented" composer and died “doing one of the things he loved, hiking in the hills,” according to a statement on social media.” — Kate Ward-Smythe, sister

People Magazine

“It is a comfort to know that he was doing one of the things he loved, hiking in the hills,” — Pepe Becker, sister

Daily Beast

A performance by The Night Temple is scheduled for Saturday evening in Smythe’s honor.

Variety Magazine