Mammoth Mountain ski patroller dies following avalanche...

A 30-year-old Mammoth Mountain ski patroller has died after suffering critical injuries in an avalanche Friday following an intense winter storm that buried the popular California resort with several feet of snow The patroller was identified as Cole Murphy, 30, an experienced member of the team known for his passion for the mountains and dedication to his work, resort officials said in a statement on social media Sunday. Murphy was injured while conducting avalanche mitigation on Lincoln Mountain before the ski area opened Friday morning. Another ski patroller, whose name was not released, was seriously hurt. Murphy was transported to Mammoth Hospital and later moved out of the area for further care. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. “Cole moved through the world with kindness, intention, and a wholehearted devotion to the life he chose,” his family said in a statement shared by the resort. “The mountain was where Cole felt most alive. It was his place of purpose, his community, and his second home. Serving on ski patrol wasn’t just a role for him — it was a calling.” The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and compassion from the community. “At the center of Cole’s heart was Hayley — his partner, his joy, his steady place in the world,” the statement read. “Their love was built on adventure, laughter, and a connection that ran deep. She is forever a part of who he was, and always will be.” Mammoth Mountain received more than 5 feet of snow during the atmospheric river that bought intense precipitation to much of California last week, prompting the resort to close on Dec. 26 and 27 for avalanche safety and mitigation work. On average, about 25 to 30 people die in avalanches each year in North America, according to data from avalanche safety organizations and the U.S. Forest Service.