Mt. Wilson Trail Death: What We Know So Far

Hiker’s Death on Mt. Wilson Linked to Heart Disease

A hiker who collapsed on Mt. Wilson last Saturday was confirmed to have died from heart disease, according to the LA County Medical Examiner’s Office. The findings were released on Monday.

Mark Smythe, 53, was discovered unresponsive on the Mt. Wilson Trail in Sierra Madre before 10 a.m. When first responders arrived, friends and fellow hikers were already performing CPR on him.

The coroner’s office determined that Smythe’s death was due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, commonly referred to as ASCVD. This condition arises from plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries. Officials noted that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and classified it as natural.

Smythe’s passing occurred just a week after another hiker fell into a ravine from the same trailhead, highlighting concerns around safety on this popular hiking route.