Camp worker dies in ‘tragic accident’ while hiking Yosemite on day off, officials say
A worker at a popular family summer camp in California died in a “tragic accident” while hiking with colleagues in Yosemite National Park on his day off, officials said.
Matt Mullen, 20, was working as an assistant cook at Camp Mather, a beloved family camp near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir where hundreds of San Francisco families spend time in the vast park each summer, media outlets reported.
San Francisco Recreation and Parks didn’t provide information about the circumstances of the Thursday, Aug. 8 accident, which is under investigation, SFGATE reported.
“Camp Mather is a unique place where staff form close and lasting bonds quickly,” San Francisco Rec and Parks spokesperson Daniel Montes told the outlet in an email. “Losing a colleague in such a way is unimaginable.”
The San Francisco Department of Public Health sent staff grief counselors to the camp the next day to comfort and support campers and staff, KRON4 reported.
The department will continue to provide ongoing support to Mullen’s coworkers through its employee assistance program, the station reported.
“Matt will be remembered as an upbeat, adventurous person whose can-do attitude and willingness to help endeared him to both colleagues and campers,” Montes told KTVU in an email. “Our hearts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”
This story was originally published August 13, 2024 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Camp worker dies in ‘tragic accident’ while hiking Yosemite on day off, officials say."
