Family of Australian snowboarder shares heartbreaking statement following tragic skiing death
The family of an Australian skier who died in a freak accident at a ski resort in Japan have released a heartbreaking statement.
Brooke Day, 22, died last Friday after a chairlift accident at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture.
Day’s backpack is believed to have gotten caught in the elevator belt as he tried to leave the elevator.
With his backpack stuck in the machine, Day was dragged through the snow and suspended in mid-air as the elevator continued to move.
The workers were able to stop the elevator, and Day, who reportedly had a heart attack, was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
However, he was pronounced dead soon after.
On Tuesday, his family explained that it was the Avalanche Rescue backpack the 22-year-old was wearing to keep him and his friends safe that got caught in the lift.
The family said Day was “an advanced snowboarder, who loved the sport since he was 11 years old.”
“He was in his fourth snow season in Japan,” the family said.
“He was respected by his peers and was known in the group as ‘safe.’ Brooke recently completed a three-day avalanche course. In the past few weeks, he has used that knowledge to help four people in life-threatening situations.
“To keep herself and friends safe, Brooke was wearing an Avalanche Rescue backpack on Friday. Sadly, it was the Avalanche Rescue backpack that got caught on the ski lift, her family added.
His parents flew to be by his side, they explained.
“We were close to Brooke when she passed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday (Australian time),” they said.
“We would like to thank his friends who offered help in his time of need, and stayed with him until we arrived in Japan, and the staff at Omachi General Hospital who did their best to save him.
“Thank you to Sunshine Coast sports and the community as a whole for your support and prayers.”
Day, from Queensland, was working in Japan as a receptionist at a physio clinic in Hakuba, which is located within the resort.
He described himself as someone who likes “getting to know patients and making them feel welcome and seen.”
He also explained his motto as living “in the moment” and his outstanding achievement as playing the game representing his country.
Day sports clubs in Nambour and Maroochydore also pay him high regard.
The Maroochydore Roos AFL described Day as a “talented young footballer and lovable team-mate” who “always had a smile” and “never took his disappointment to the side.”
“He was a much loved and valued member of the Roos family and will be sorely missed,” the club wrote.
“You little fairy, friend and teammate. Roo always! Fly up, beautiful girl.”
Teammates and friends also posted donations on social media.
“Brooke was a team player who made everything better just by being there. She was humble and hardworking. The ultimate teammate in every sense,” one person wrote.
“She was sweet, caring and never giving up, no matter what injury she was dealing with, doing it all with her smile.
Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club said Ms Day was an “exceptional” part of the senior women’s team.
“On the field, Brooke played with courage, determination, and continued to grow and improve in every game she played,” the team said.
“Off the field, his smile, kindness, and fun-loving spirit lit up our club, and he was never one to shy away from our off-field celebrations.
“Brooke has contributed so much to our team and our Nambour Rugby community in such a short time, and her impact will not be forgotten.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him during this incredibly difficult time.
“No words can truly capture the loss our club feels. Rest easy, beautiful Brooke. Your infectious smile, love of life, and contagious giggle will live in our memories forever.”
