Cole Clifford Mooney Obituary: A Life of Adventure, Love, and Legacy Cut Short
With deep sorrow and profound grief, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Cole Clifford Mooney, who left this world on May 30, 2025, at the age of 29. A proud son of the Wasatch Front, Cole’s life was a testament to the beauty of adventure, the warmth of family, and the power of living life to the fullest. He passed away following an unexpected accident, and his sudden death has left a community reeling and mourning the loss of a man who embodied the spirit of the great outdoors and whose energy, kindness, and love touched the lives of everyone he met.
Born and raised in Utah, Cole’s connection to the mountains, rivers, and canyons of the Wasatch Front was deep. From a young age, the outdoors was more than just a playground for him—it was where he found his sense of purpose, his strength, and his peace. Whether he was scrambling across granite boulders in American Fork Canyon, paddling through the rapids of Idaho’s Main Salmon River, or carving fresh tracks in the snow, Cole’s passion for the natural world was the heart of who he was. It’s no surprise that Cole chose to shape his life around the wilderness he loved so dearly.
Cole’s death, though sudden and unexpected, is a painful reminder of how quickly life can be taken from us. His friends, family, and colleagues remember him not just for his accomplishments in the outdoors, but for his unwavering loyalty, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm for life. He lived each day with extraordinary spirit and a fearless dedication to adventure. Even as he faced difficult challenges, he remained steadfast in his commitment to others and to the things he loved.
A Life Defined by Adventure and Outdoor Exploration
Cole Clifford Mooney’s love for the outdoors began at an early age. Growing up in Utah, he had easy access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country. His childhood weekends were spent in the canyons and mountains surrounding his home, with family outings that often included scrambling up rocky slopes and exploring the untamed wilderness. These early experiences set the tone for Cole’s lifelong love of exploration and adventure.
As he grew older, Cole’s passion for outdoor activities expanded, and he became known for his incredible athleticism and grit. His energy and curiosity were boundless, and it was impossible for him to sit still for long. Whether it was kayaking down technical rapids, hiking up steep mountain ridges, or skiing through fresh powder, Cole was always seeking new challenges and new ways to push his limits. His love for the outdoors wasn’t just about the thrill of adventure—it was about connecting deeply with nature and finding peace and clarity in the wild places he explored.
One of Cole’s most significant passions was river guiding. In the summers, he worked as a guide on the Main Salmon River in Idaho with Orange Torpedo Trips, where he could share his love for the river and his expertise with others. Cole’s approach to guiding was marked by a deep respect for the safety and well-being of his guests. He often joked that he was “getting paid to babysit adults in the sunshine,” but those who paddled with him knew that his role went far beyond that. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a calming presence on the water, able to help nervous paddlers navigate the rapids with confidence and enthusiasm.
For Cole, guiding wasn’t just about the job—it was about creating memorable experiences for others and instilling a sense of wonder and courage in everyone who joined him on the river. His love for the water and his skill as a guide earned him the admiration of his guests and colleagues alike, and many who paddled with Cole returned year after year to relive the experience. His kindness, humor, and expertise made every trip unforgettable.
The Winter Months: A Love for Snow and Skiing
When winter came, Cole’s love for the outdoors didn’t fade—it simply shifted to the mountains. Known for his love of skiing, Cole spent his winter months working seasonal jobs at local ski resorts. Whether working as a lift operator or taking on any job that came with a lift pass, Cole made the most of the snow-covered mountains and fresh powder that Utah is famous for. However, for Cole, skiing was not just about recreation—it was a way to connect with nature and push himself to new heights.
He respected the snow, understanding its unpredictable nature and the power it held. He never took a single turn for granted, knowing that each moment on the slopes was a gift. Cole’s love for skiing went beyond the thrill of the sport—it was about experiencing the mountains in their purest form, as a source of beauty, challenge, and joy.
Cole’s passion for the mountains didn’t stop at skiing. He was an avid hiker who spent his off-hours exploring ridgelines, finding new trails to conquer, and seeking out the most breathtaking views. His adventurous spirit and respect for the natural world were a testament to his character, and his love for the outdoors was a central part of the life he built. Whether in the summer or winter, Cole’s connection to nature never wavered.
Creativity, Reflection, and Family: The Quiet Side of Cole
While Cole’s adventurous spirit and love for physical challenges defined much of his life, he was also a man of quiet reflection and creativity. In the still moments away from the river and the mountains, Cole enjoyed sketching the mountaintops he admired, strumming heartfelt melodies on his guitar, and journaling about his dreams for the future. These creative outlets were how he processed his experiences and made sense of the world around him.
Cole’s passion for the outdoors was mirrored by his deep love for his family. His wife, Hilary, and their children, Jack and Finley, were the center of his world. Cole’s love for his family was evident in everything he did, and he cherished every moment he spent with them. Whether they were hiking together, enjoying quiet evenings at home, or taking family adventures into the wilderness, Cole’s dedication to his family was unwavering. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a caring son, always putting the needs of his loved ones before his own. His family was his greatest adventure.
Hilary, who shared many of his outdoor adventures, fondly remembers how Cole’s passion for life and the outdoors brought joy to their family. “He was the kind of person who made everything feel more alive,” she recalls. “His laughter, his energy, and his love for life were infectious. He made every adventure feel like a new beginning.”
The Tragic Loss: A Community Mourns
Cole’s sudden passing on May 30, 2025, has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the broader community. The circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be fully revealed, but those who knew him best are united in their grief. His death has not only affected his immediate family but also the larger network of friends, colleagues, and outdoor enthusiasts who considered him a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light.
In the wake of his passing, friends and family have shared stories of Cole’s unwavering loyalty, his kindness, and his sense of humor. Social media tributes pour in from across the community, with many reflecting on the impact he had on their lives. “He was the kind of person who made everything better just by being around,” one friend wrote. “His spirit was unmatched, and he had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world when he was with you.”
His death has sparked a renewed focus on the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment. Those who knew Cole have expressed a collective desire to carry on his legacy by embracing adventure, sharing love, and living with the same passion and spirit that he did.
The Outpouring of Support: A Memorial for Cole
In the wake of Cole’s passing, an outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. Friends, family, and colleagues have come together to celebrate his life and honor his memory. A memorial service is being planned, where loved ones will gather to remember Cole and reflect on the incredible impact he had on their lives.
In addition to the service, a hiking and skiing event in Cole’s honor is being organized, where participants will honor his love for the outdoors by exploring the trails and mountains he so dearly cherished. This event will not only serve as a tribute to Cole but also as a reminder to live life with the same enthusiasm and appreciation for nature that he did.
Living the Legacy: Cole’s Spirit Lives On
While Cole Clifford Mooney’s physical presence may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on in the lessons he imparted, the memories he created, and the people he inspired. His legacy is one of adventure, love, and resilience. Those who knew him will carry forward the lessons of living boldly, loving deeply, and respecting the natural world.
As his family and friends cope with their grief, they are also finding strength in the knowledge that Cole’s life was a life well-lived. He showed everyone around him the importance of following your passions, embracing the beauty of life’s challenges, and always having time for the people you love. Through his adventures, his creativity, and his love for his family, Cole leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.
In closing, Cole Clifford Mooney’s passing is a reminder that life is short, and we must cherish every moment we have. His adventurous spirit, unwavering love for his family, and deep connection to nature will remain in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to live on through the adventures he inspired, the love he gave, and the memories he created. Rest in peace, Cole. Your spirit will always be with us.
