Famed composer dies scaling notorious Sierra Madre trail -- as harrowing details emerge
New York Post • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Mark Smythe, a 53-year-old New Zealand composer known for his work on horror movies and concert music, died on the Mount Wilson Trail in Sierra Madre on May 9.
- Rescue teams found Smythe unresponsive and despite CPR efforts by friends and family, he was pronounced dead at the scene; this is the second hiker fatality on the trail this month.
- Smythe was highly respected in the music community, serving as chair of the Composing for Visual Media Department and earning a nomination for his score in "The Reef: Stalked" on Hulu.
- Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to Smythe’s passion, kindness, and musical talent, highlighting his significant impact on students and collaborators.
- Smythe’s sister expressed comfort that he passed away doing something he loved—hiking in the hills—while authorities extended condolences and gratitude to those who assisted.