Home / Arts and Entertainment / Composer Mark Smythe Dies Tragically Hiking Mt. Wilson
Composer Mark Smythe Dies Tragically Hiking Mt. Wilson
14 May
Summary
- Composer Mark Smythe died May 9th after collapsing while hiking.
- Smythe was nominated for SCL and World Soundtrack Awards.
- He taught media composition at CSUN and LACM.
Composer Mark Smythe died on May 9th, 2026, after collapsing during a hike on Mt. Wilson in Los Angeles. He was 53 years old. Smythe, who was born in New Zealand and later moved to Australia before settling in Los Angeles in 2013, was a respected figure in the film and television composing world.
His career was marked by several accolades, including nominations for a Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Award and a World Soundtrack Award for his score of 'The Reef: Stalked'. He also received multiple Hollywood Music in Media Award nominations and an Australian Screen Industry Network award for best composer.
Beyond his composing achievements, Smythe was actively involved in the SCL, serving as its chief operating officer from 2018 to 2021. He also taught media composition at California State University, Northridge and led the Composing for Visual Media department at the Los Angeles College of Music.
Colleagues and friends remember Smythe for his generosity, warmth, and infectious laugh. He was a mentor to many aspiring composers. His sister, Kate Ward-Smythe, survives him.
