Mammoth Mountain Found Responsible for Ski Patroller's Death

California workplace regulators have determined that Mammoth Mountain Ski Area was at fault for the death of ski patroller Cole Murphy, who died in December 2025.

On December 26, Murphy was involved in avalanche mitigation work when an explosion triggered an avalanche, burying him and another patroller. While the other patroller was rescued quickly, Murphy was trapped for approximately 15 minutes before being recovered. He was transported to Mammoth Hospital and later flown to Renown Regional Medical Center, where he passed away the following day.

Following an investigation, California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued three citations to Mammoth for failing to provide adequate training on protective equipment and for not ensuring communication among patrollers before detonating explosives. Mammoth has since addressed these violations but has contested the citations, asserting cooperation with the investigation.