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Mark Smythe dies while hiking Mount Wilson Trail as cause is confirmed as heart disease
International
Published on 11 May 2026
Authorities say it was a specific heart condition during a hike
Mark Smythe, a New Zealand composer and professor, died after a medical emergency while hiking California’s Mount Wilson Trail in Sierra Madre. Authorities confirmed the cause as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Colleagues, students, and family remembered him for film music, concert composition, and teaching, while the tragedy has renewed attention on hiking safety and heart-related risks on trails.
- New Zealand composer Mark Smythe died during a hike in Sierra Madre
- Cause of death was confirmed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
- His work spanned film music, concert composing, and music teaching
- The incident has sparked renewed discussion on hiking medical risks
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times