Australian Snowboarder Brooke Day Remembered After Fatal Japanese Ski Lift Accident
Tributes have poured in for Australian snowboarder Brooke Day, who died after a tragic ski lift accident at a Japanese resort, with friends and teammates remembering her as a kind, talented young woman with a “vibrant spirit.” The 22-year-old from Queensland sustained critical injuries on Friday at Tsugaike Mountain resort in Otari, near Nagano, after her backpack became caught on a ski lift as she was disembarking.
Resort officials said an unfastened waist buckle on Day’s pack hooked onto the lift, causing her to be dragged along the snow and briefly suspended in mid-air. Although an attendant activated the emergency stop and she was rushed to hospital, Day suffered what appeared to be a cardiac arrest and later died.
Day was widely remembered for her warmth, positivity, and infectious sense of humour. The Maroochydore Roos AFL Club described her as a “talented young football player and cherished team mate,” noting that she always brought energy and encouragement to the group despite setbacks from injury. Other football clubs and friends echoed the sentiments, calling her caring, resilient, and a joy to be around.
Alex Surf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where Day worked, also paid tribute, saying her sparkle and kindness “lit up every room she entered.” Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co expressed condolences to her family and said it would cooperate fully with investigations while strengthening safety measures. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Day’s family as they mourn her loss.