NZ-Born Composer Mark Smythe Dies After Collapsing on LA Hiking Trail

Mark Smythe, a celebrated New Zealand-born composer and educator whose work spanned film, television, and music education, has died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac emergency while hiking on Mount Wilson in Los Angeles. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and was confirmed by both the Los Angeles Times and New Zealand media outlets, including 1News and The New Zealand Herald.

Smythe, who held a U.S. Green card since 2013, was recognized for his contributions to the music industry, including his role as the head of the Department of Composing for Visual Media at Los Angeles Music College and a professor of media composition at California State University, Northridge. His cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks. First responders arrived at the scene around 10 a.m. And attempted resuscitation but were unable to save him. The Sierra Madre Police Department confirmed that no foul play was suspected.

Smythe’s sister, Kate Ward-Smythe, shared her grief and memories of her brother in a Facebook post, describing him as a “strong, larger-than-life connector in LA” who was deeply passionate about music, and education. She recalled his love for hiking and expressed gratitude to his friends and emergency responders for their efforts. “It is a comfort to know that he was doing one of the things he loved, hiking in the hills,” she wrote.

In a 2017 interview with RNZ, Smythe reflected on his career and the challenges of securing a green card, noting that he had initially met only three of the 10 criteria for “aliens of extraordinary ability” but ultimately fulfilled seven. His work included scoring films and television projects, and he was nominated for a 2023 Society of Composers and Lyricists Award for his score to the movie *The Reef: Stalked*.

Smythe’s death has prompted tributes from colleagues and students, many of whom have described him as a mentor and a supportive figure in the Los Angeles music community. His legacy as both a composer and an educator underscores his impact on the industry, particularly in bridging the gap between creative expression and technical skill.

As news of his passing spreads, Smythe’s contributions to film and television scoring, as well as his dedication to teaching, will be remembered. His work continues to influence aspiring composers, and his loss leaves a void in both the New Zealand and Los Angeles music scenes.