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Mark Smythe, Composer and Professor, Dies on Hiking Trail at 53

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CitrixNews Staff
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Mark Smythe, Composer and Professor, Dies on Hiking Trail at 53
May 11, 2026 3:00pm PT Mark Smythe, Composer and Professor, Dies on Hiking Trail at 53

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Pat Saperstein

Deputy Editor

@Variety_PatS See All LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Mark Smythe attends 4th Annual Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Awards at Skirball Cultural Center on February 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images) Getty Images

Mark Smythe, a New Zealand-born and L.A.-based composer, died Saturday after a medical emergency on the Mount Wilson hiking trail near Los Angeles. He was 53.

The L.A. Coroner’s office reported that the cause of death was cardiovascular disease. The rescue team said in a statement, “Sierra Madre Search and Rescue extends our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased man. We also extend our thanks to the man’s friends and other hikers who assisted today.”

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