Mark Smythe, a New Zealand-born composer based in Los Angeles, has died during a hiking trip with friends.
His sister Kate Ward-Smythe said in a post on social media that he collapsed and died suddenly while hiking on Mount Wilson, near Pasadena, California, onSaturday.
According to his obituary, Smythe was 53 when he died after an unexpected cardiac event.
He was a composer of film and concert music, and his score for the 2022 Australian horror film The Reef: Stalked was nominated for both the SCL Awards in the United States and the World Soundtrack Awards in Belgium.
He was also the department head for composing for visual media at the Los Angeles College of Music.
Ward-Smythe said in her post that she was grateful to her brother’s friends who tried so hard to resuscitate him, alongside first responders.
“Mark was a strong, larger-than-life connector in LA, as a professor, composer, musician, and loyal friend. He was also fiercely talented, and an absolute cheerleader for music performance and recording across multiple genres.
Smythe, known for his film scores, was also the head of composing at the Los Angeles College of Music. Photo / Getty Images
“He was only just getting started and had so much more to give ... We are heartbroken and trying to process this tragedy, as are all Mark’s friends and family.”
Smythe’s obituary said a private cremation and ceremony would be held in LA. There would then be a celebration in Nelson of his life and music.
It said he would be “forever remembered in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he blessed with his beautiful music and generous presence”.
Smythe is remembered by his family in New Zealand, including his father, Brian Smythe; mother Ginny Ward; sisters Pepe Becker and Kate Ward-Smythe; Brian’s wife Liz; Ginny’s partner Paul; nephews Daniel, Thomas and Nick Becker; niece Ella Ward-Smythe; as well as extended family and friends.
