Quick Read
- A 22-year-old Australian snowboarder, Brooke Day, died in a ski lift accident in Japan.
- Her backpack became entangled in the lift chair at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley.
- The incident occurred last Friday, leading to cardiac arrest and subsequent death at a hospital.
- The resort and lift operator have apologized and launched an investigation into the accident.
- Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular support to the family.
NAGANO (Azat TV) – A 22-year-old Australian snowboarder has tragically died following a ski lift accident last Friday at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Japan’s Hakuba Valley. Authorities are now investigating the precise circumstances that led to her backpack becoming entangled in the lift mechanism, an incident that has drawn attention to safety protocols at popular international ski destinations.
Japanese police and the lift operator confirmed the fatality, identifying the victim as Brooke Day. Initial reports from Japanese news agency Kyodo had identified her as Ella Day Brooke, but Australian media later clarified her name as Brooke Day.
Investigation Underway at Tsugaike Mountain Resort
The accident occurred at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort, a well-known ski destination in Otari near Nagano, central Japan, popular among foreign tourists for its renowned powder snow. According to the Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co. and Nagano Omachi Police, Ms. Day suffered cardiac arrest after her backpack became caught in the lift chair as she attempted to disembark.
Kubo Tsuneo, CEO and director of Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co., issued a statement expressing the company’s “deepest condolences to the bereaved family” and vowing to strengthen safety measures. The Tsugaike Mountain Resort and Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co. also jointly apologized for the incident and announced that a full investigation would be launched into the fatal accident.
Circumstances of the Tragic Ski Lift Entanglement
Police and the lift operator detailed that the waist buckle of the 22-year-old’s backpack became hooked on the ski lift chair. Crucially, the chest strap of her backpack remained securely fastened, preventing the backpack from detaching from her body. This caused her to be dragged along with the backpack after she was unable to get off the lift.
A staff member immediately activated the emergency stop button to halt lift operations. Emergency assistance was promptly provided, and Ms. Day was transported by ambulance to a hospital. Despite these efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries.
Consular Support for Australian Victim’s Family
Following the incident, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death of an Australian citizen in Japan. A department spokesperson stated that they are providing consular support to Ms. Day’s family during this difficult time. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson added, as reported by CNN and The Guardian.
Japan is highly regarded as one of Asia’s premier snow sports destinations, attracting a significant number of international visitors each winter season. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and heightened awareness for both resort operators and visitors engaging in winter sports activities.
The tragic death of Brooke Day highlights the critical importance of personal equipment safety and adherence to operational guidelines at ski resorts, especially as global tourism to popular destinations like Japan continues to grow.