At a Glance
- Cole Murphy, 30, was a ski patrol member who died in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain.
- The avalanche struck at about 7:30 a.m. on Lincoln Mountain.
- A second patroller is recovering after successful surgery.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the dangers of avalanche mitigation work and follows a similar fatality earlier this year.
One patroller was injured when a slide occurred.
Daniel J. Whitman reports for the News Of Los Angeles News at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.
A tragic avalanche on Mammoth Mountain on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, claimed the life of ski patrol member Cole Murphy. The incident occurred during routine avalanche mitigation work and underscores the risks faced by mountain patrol teams.
Avalanche Claims Ski Patrol Member
Cole Murphy, 30, was identified by Mammoth Resort officials as an experienced patroller with a deep passion for the mountains. He was one of two patrollers injured when the avalanche struck. The ski area posted a statement on Instagram that the work was underway at about 7:30 a.m. when the slide occurred.
- Cole Murphy – 30, experienced patroller
- Avalanche occurred at 7:30 a.m. on Lincoln Mountain
- Second patroller recovering after surgery
Murphy’s family wrote:
> “The mountain was where Cole felt most alive. It was his place of purpose, his community, and his second home. Serving on ski patrol wasn’t just a role for him-it was a calling. To his ski patrol family, the ones who worked beside him, had confidence in him, and shared a bond shaped by snow, service, and unwavering camaraderie: thank you for loving him as one of your own. That brotherhood meant more to him than words can ever express,”
Patroller Recovery and Past Incident
The second patroller involved in the accident underwent a successful surgery and is currently recovering, according to Mammoth Resort. In February, another ski patroller died after being injured by an avalanche while doing mitigation work on the mountain.
| Patroller | Status |
|---|---|
| Cole Murphy | Deceased |
| Second Patroller | Recovering |
Key Takeaways
- Cole Murphy died in an avalanche on Mammoth Mountain.
- A second patroller is recovering after surgery.
- The incident follows a February fatality of another patroller on the same mountain.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in avalanche mitigation work and the importance of safety protocols on mountain slopes.
