The family of Brooke Day, a 22-year-old Australian woman, has released a statement following her death at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Japan. The tragedy, which occurred on , was caused by her avalanche safety backpack becoming entangled in the mechanics of a ski lift.
According to the family, Day was an experienced snowboarder who had been participating in winter sports since the age of 11. She was in her fourth extended season in Japan, a testament to her dedication to the sport. Her family described her as well-respected within the snowboarding community, and highlighted her recent completion of a three-day avalanche safety course. This training proved invaluable in recent weeks, as she used her knowledge to assist four individuals facing imminent risk in avalanche-prone areas.
The family’s statement emphasized the paradoxical nature of the accident. “To keep herself and her friends safe, Brooke was wearing an Avalanche Rescue backpack on Friday,” they wrote. “Tragically, it was the avalanche rescue backpack that became caught in the ski lift.” These backpacks are designed to deploy an airbag in the event of an avalanche, and typically include a beacon for rapid location by rescue teams. The incident underscores the inherent risks, even with preventative safety measures, associated with backcountry and off-piste snowboarding.
Initial reports from Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co., cited by various news outlets, indicate that a detached buckle on a belt attached to the backpack became lodged in the lift’s machinery. Emergency stop procedures were immediately activated, but the backpack remained entangled, and Day was dragged along the snow by the lift. Despite swift efforts by resort personnel and subsequent medical intervention, she succumbed to cardiac arrest shortly after being transported to Omachi General Hospital.
The family confirmed that they were at her side when she passed away in the early hours of (Australian time). They expressed their gratitude to those who assisted Day in her final moments, and to the staff at Omachi General Hospital for their efforts. They also thanked the wider sporting community and the residents of the Sunshine Coast in Australia for their outpouring of support.
The statement was signed by Deanne and Warren Day, Brooke’s parents, and her siblings, Emma and Kain, on behalf of the entire Day family. Authorities are continuing to investigate the precise circumstances surrounding the accident, focusing on the design and operation of both the ski lift and the backpack’s attachment system.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from Day’s friends, and colleagues. Several Australian sporting clubs, including the Maroochydore Roos AFL and the Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club, have shared public tributes. The Maroochydore Roos described her as a “talented young footballer and a much-loved teammate who always had a smile on her face.” A teammate recalled her as someone who “made everything better just by being there… so humble and hardworking. It was a privilege to play alongside her.” The Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club stated that “her smile, kindness, and spirited fun lit up our club,” and that her impact would “never be forgotten.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Day family and has extended its deepest condolences. This level of consular support is standard practice in cases involving the death of Australian citizens abroad, providing assistance with logistical arrangements, liaison with local authorities, and emotional support.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort has issued an official statement expressing its profound sorrow and pledging to reinforce safety measures to prevent similar incidents. Tsuneo Kubo, president and director representative of the resort, stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and sincerely pray for the peace of the deceased. Our company will respond sincerely and diligently to the grieving family and the deceased guest. We will continue to fully cooperate with the police and relevant authorities in their investigation.”
The ski lift involved in the incident remains closed pending the completion of both the police investigation and a technical review of the lift’s operating systems. This closure is a standard safety precaution, allowing investigators to thoroughly examine the equipment and identify any potential mechanical failures or design flaws. The incident raises broader questions about the safety protocols in place at ski resorts, particularly concerning the interaction between skiers and snowboarders carrying specialized equipment like avalanche safety packs.
While the investigation continues, the Day family has requested that Brooke be remembered for her passion, dedication, and commitment to safety. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with winter sports, even for experienced and well-prepared individuals. It also highlights the importance of ongoing safety assessments and improvements at ski resorts worldwide, and the need for continued education and awareness regarding the proper use of safety equipment.
The incident also underscores the growing popularity of backcountry and off-piste snowboarding and skiing, which often involve venturing beyond the controlled environment of groomed slopes. This trend necessitates a heightened awareness of avalanche risks and the importance of carrying and knowing how to use appropriate safety equipment. Organizations dedicated to avalanche safety, such as the American Avalanche Association and the Canadian Avalanche Association, offer courses and resources for individuals planning to explore backcountry terrain.
The loss of Brooke Day is a tragedy that resonates far beyond the slopes of Tsugaike Mountain Resort. It is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that lessons will be learned to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
