The Sacramento community and those connected to Camp Mather are in deep mourning after the tragic death of Matthew James Mullen, a 20-year-old assistant cook from Sacramento, California. Matthew passed away on August 8, 2024, during what was meant to be a day of exploration and relaxation. While hiking in the stunning yet rugged terrain of Yosemite National Park, a beloved place where Matthew frequently spent his free time, tragedy struck. Though the exact details of the accident have not been publicly disclosed, it is clear that Matthew’s sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Matthew’s connection to the great outdoors was not only a personal passion but an extension of his work life. Employed as an assistant cook at Camp Mather, a popular family camp near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite, Matthew was known for his hardworking nature and vibrant personality. Camp Mather is a beloved retreat for many San Francisco families who come to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the expansive park, and Matthew’s role in the camp’s kitchen helped to provide these families with the nourishment they needed during their stay.
Working in the kitchen alongside his two older sisters, his cousin Brendan, and his Uncle Toby Wiley, who also served as the Camp Director, Matthew cherished his time at Camp Mather. It was more than just a job to him; it was a way of life that connected him deeply with his family, nature, and the community. His colleagues and campers alike knew him as a friendly and lively presence in the camp. He brought energy to every task and always went the extra mile to ensure that others were well taken care of. His death is a profound loss for the Camp Mather community, which has come together in grief to honor his memory and share in the pain of his family.
Matthew was born on November 25, 2003, the youngest in his family. He grew up surrounded by love and care, particularly from his sisters Annemarie and Rose, who were not only siblings but companions in his life journey. Described by his family as much adored, opinionated, sensitive, industrious, and full of life, Matthew carried a bright spark within him that touched everyone he encountered.
A graduate of Jesuit High School in 2022 and a former student of Presentation Catholic School, Matthew’s life was filled with achievements and passions. He excelled in athletics, displaying his talents across multiple sports including basketball, baseball, and soccer. His teammates and coaches recognized his dedication and natural ability, but more than that, they appreciated the spirit with which he approached each game and practice. Matthew played with heart, always encouraging those around him and showing that same determination whether winning or losing. It wasn’t just his skill that made him stand out but his love for the game and the relationships he formed along the way.
In recent years, Matthew had developed a deep passion for climbing, an activity that allowed him to connect with both his adventurous spirit and the outdoors. He spent countless hours at the local climber’s gym, Pipeworks, pushing himself to new limits and honing his craft. Climbing, like everything else in Matthew’s life, was something he approached with intensity, dedication, and a desire to constantly improve. His friends in the climbing community describe him as fearless and full of determination, always striving to reach the next summit both figuratively and literally. The freedom and challenge that climbing offered gave Matthew a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and it is perhaps fitting, though tragic, that he was pursuing this passion when his life was cut short.
Matthew’s adventurous personality extended beyond his athletic pursuits. He was known for his quick wit and playful banter, traits that endeared him to his close-knit group of friends. His social circle, many of whom he had known since childhood, remember him as someone who could light up any room with his energy and humor. He had a unique ability to make people feel at ease, whether through his jokes, his smile, or his willingness to lend a listening ear when someone needed support. His friends, now devastated by his loss, are left with memories of countless late-night talks, spontaneous adventures, and the laughter that Matthew so often brought into their lives. His absence is deeply felt, but his impact on those who loved him will never be forgotten.
Matthew’s time at Camp Mather was especially meaningful to him. He took pride in his work as an assistant cook, a role that allowed him to be part of something bigger than himself. Working alongside his family members, including his uncle Toby, the Camp Director, gave Matthew a sense of belonging and fulfillment. It was here that he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and community. Camp Mather wasn’t just a summer job—it was a place where Matthew could be surrounded by nature, form lasting connections with people from all walks of life, and contribute to the joy and relaxation of hundreds of families who visited the camp each season. His colleagues describe him as a passionate worker who was always willing to go above and beyond for the campers, bringing a sense of pride and enthusiasm to every meal he helped prepare. It is no surprise that his death has sent shockwaves through the camp’s staff and campers, who will remember him as an integral part of their experience at Camp Mather.
Outside of work, Matthew’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He shared an especially close bond with his sisters, Annemarie and Rose, who not only looked after him as the youngest sibling but also stood by him as friends and confidants. Matthew’s connection with his family extended to his cousin Brendan and his uncle Toby, with whom he shared a special bond through their work together at Camp Mather. The Mullen family is deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, and their belief in the power of community and prayer is helping them navigate this incredibly difficult time.
In the wake of Matthew’s passing, his family and friends have received an outpouring of support from the Sacramento community and beyond. The memories that people have shared of Matthew—his kindness, his strength, his humor—have been a source of comfort to those who are struggling to make sense of this tragic loss. His family has announced that a life celebration and Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Ignatius Church in Sacramento on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. This will be an opportunity for all who knew Matthew to come together in grief, reflection, and remembrance. The church, located at 3235 Arden Way, will also host a reception following the service, where family and friends will be able to share stories and find solace in one another’s company.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to organizations that reflect Matthew’s values and passions. Contributions to the Friends of Camp Mather, an organization dedicated to supporting the camp where Matthew spent two wonderful summers, would help to preserve the spirit of community and connection that was so important to him. Additionally, donations to the Kino Border Initiative, an organization that works to promote humane, just, and workable migration between the U.S. and Mexico, would honor Matthew’s commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
As those who loved Matthew gather to say their final goodbyes, they are left with the bittersweet task of preserving his memory and honoring the life that he lived. Though Matthew’s time on Earth was tragically short, the legacy he leaves behind is one of love, kindness, and adventure. His friends and family will carry his spirit with them in the years to come, finding solace in the knowledge that Matthew lived his life to the fullest, embracing every challenge and opportunity with the same passion and enthusiasm that defined him. The world may be dimmer without his light, but the impact he made will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew him.
