Yosemite National Park, California – The Camp Mather community is mourning the tragic loss of Matt Mullen, a 20-year-old assistant cook who died in a hiking accident on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The accident occurred near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a popular area within Yosemite National Park, where Mullen was hiking with his coworkers on his day off.
The exact details surrounding the accident remain under investigation by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks department. The circumstances of Mullen’s death are still unclear, and officials are working diligently to understand the contributing factors.
Daniel Montes, a representative for San Francisco Recreation and Parks, expressed the deep sorrow felt within the Camp Mather community, highlighting the close-knit bonds among the staff. “It is inconceivable that a colleague could be lost in such a manner,” Montes remarked, emphasizing the collective grief.
In response to this devastating event, grief counselors from the San Francisco Department of Public Health have been dispatched to Camp Mather. These professionals are providing support to both staff members and campers affected by the tragedy. Additional emotional support is being offered through the employee assistance program.
Matt Mullen is survived by a large extended family, including relatives from Sacramento, San Francisco, and other parts of California. His family and the broader community have been deeply impacted by his untimely death, and an outpouring of support and condolences has been received from those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Matt Mullen’s life, along with a Mass of Christian Burial, is scheduled for Friday, August 23, 2024, at St. Ignatius Church in Sacramento. Those wishing to honor Matt’s memory have been encouraged to contribute to the Kino Border Initiative or the Friends of Camp Mather.
The Camp Mather community and Matt Mullen’s family continue to grieve this significant loss, cherishing the memories of his adventurous spirit and positive presence. As the investigation into the accident continues, they find solace in the support they have received and the lasting legacy Matt leaves behind.