Man who died on Mt. Wilson identified as film and TV composer Mark Smythe, 53

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Mark Smythe, a composer originally from New Zealand and living in Los Angeles, recently died in a tragic accident on Mt. Wilson. Friends and family are remembering him as a brilliant, humorous, and incredibly supportive person.

According to the coroner’s office, Smythe passed away on Saturday at the age of 53. He experienced a medical emergency while hiking and his death was caused by heart disease, specifically a buildup of plaque in his arteries that led to a heart attack.

Police in Sierra Madre reported that a man died Saturday after experiencing a medical emergency while hiking. There is no indication of any wrongdoing. First responders reached the scene around 10 a.m. and tried to help, but unfortunately, he could not be saved.

According to his website, Smythe has led the Composing for Visual Media department at Los Angeles Music College since last summer. He’s also received recognition for his work, including a 2023 nomination from the Society of Composers and Lyricists for scoring the film “The Reef: Stalked.”

Kate Ward-Smythe, the composer’s sister, acknowledged his death late Sunday on Facebook.

She found some peace knowing he was doing something he enjoyed – hiking – and expressed gratitude to his friends and the emergency services who did everything they could to save him.

Mark was a vibrant and influential figure in the Los Angeles music scene, known as a professor, composer, musician, and a deeply supportive friend. He had incredible talent and passionately encouraged musicians and recording artists of all kinds. His life was full of promise, and he had so much more to offer. We are devastated by his sudden passing, and his friends and family are struggling to cope with this tragic loss.

California

I was really saddened to hear that a hiker died on Mt. Wilson yesterday. Sheriff’s deputies found him after he fell into a ravine on the trail, and unfortunately, they couldn’t save him.

Composer Bear McCreary, famous for his work on shows like “Outlander,” “The Walking Dead,” “Black Sails,” and “Snowpiercer,” and films including “Happy Death Day,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and “Fantasy Island,” expressed his shock and sadness at the news of Smythe’s passing. He shared that he had recently spoken with Smythe at a party just a few weeks prior.

I was so bummed to hear about Mark! He was seriously one of the most energetic and funny people I knew. I remember reading about the time he showed up to an awards show with a shark – a SHARK! – wearing a bowtie! It was for a movie he worked on, and it was just so him. And get this – when I told him I was working on a metal album, he put together this amazing list of German folk metal bands for me. That’s how I discovered Finsterforst, and I’ve been a fan ever since. He just had such a great taste and was always so generous with sharing it.

McCreary, who had hoped to become closer to Smythe in the future, said Smythe’s passing served as a powerful reminder to cherish time with loved ones.

John Massari, a composer with over 150 projects including work on the classic show “Little House on the Prairie” and popular series like “Dancing With the Stars” and “Pawn Stars,” shared that Mark was a positive and welcome presence who will be deeply missed.

California

A hiker died on the Mt. Wilson trail on Saturday, marking the second death on that challenging trail in just one week, according to officials.

Singer Baraka May, known for her work on projects like “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Wicked: For Good,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram Monday, mourning the loss of a friend named Mark. She expressed her deep sadness, saying she loved and missed him, and was grateful for his kindness, enthusiasm, and the way he made her feel appreciated.

I was so incredibly lucky to work with him. On stage, he was quick-witted and hilarious, but when we actually played music together, he transformed. He’d get completely lost in the sound, like a kid in a candy store, and it was just magical. I conducted three of his pieces, and even in rehearsals, his genuine excitement was infectious. He had such a huge heart and a brilliant mind. His music was gorgeous – haunting, romantic, and deeply moving – and he played the bass with so much feeling. He was a true music lover, full of life, and I was really looking forward to creating more music with him. It’s a huge loss.

The Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive shared their sadness about Mark’s passing, describing him as a remarkably gifted musician and a cherished friend who was a vital part of the film scoring world.

When the pandemic made it difficult to perform traditional music, Mark kindly volunteered for our 2020 New Music Project, helping us create and share new pieces with our musical community during a challenging time.

The Hollywood Music in Media Awards recalled Smythe receiving an award in 2013 that helped launch his career, shortly after he moved to Los Angeles from New Zealand.

The organization shared that he rapidly created an impressive portfolio of work in film, short films, and television, receiving several HMMA nominations. He also held the position of COO at the Society of Composers & Lyricists and even returned to present at the 2018 HMMA Gala. They noted that Mark’s skill and kindness greatly benefited their community, and he will be deeply missed.

This is the second death on Mt. Wilson this month. On May 3rd, 66-year-old John McIntyre died after falling into a ravine along Mt. Wilson Road and the Little Santa Anita fire break in Sierra Madre. He died from injuries sustained in the fall.

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2026-05-12 03:01