The Australian snowboarding community is in mourning following the tragic death of 22-year-old Queensland woman Brooke Day in a horrific ski lift accident at a Japanese resort. Day, remembered by friends and teammates as a vibrant spirit with an infectious sense of humour, sustained critical injuries after her backpack became entangled in the machinery.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The accident occurred on Friday at the Tsugaike Mountain resort in Otari, near Nagano. According to resort operators, Day was disembarking from the ski lift when an unfastened waist belt buckle on her backpack became hooked. This caused her to be dragged along the snow and suspended mid-air in a terrifying ordeal.
An attendant immediately pressed the emergency stop button, but the damage had already been done. Day was rushed to hospital after suffering what appeared to be a cardiac arrest during the incident. Despite medical efforts, the young snowboarder did not survive her injuries.
Heartfelt Tributes from Home
On Tuesday, the Maroochydore Roos AFL Club where Day played football posted an emotional tribute describing her as "a talented young football player and cherished team mate" who was "always a positive and vibrant part of the group."
The club noted that Day had played with the Roos throughout her junior and senior football years, adding: "She was always a positive and vibrant part of the group, always had a smile on her face and despite various setbacks she never brought her disappointments to the side."
The tribute revealed that Day had recently taken a step back from AFL due to injury and was "working and enjoying time in Japan" when tragedy struck.
Remembering a Bright Spirit
Alex Surf Club on the Sunshine Coast, where Day worked in their café, also paid tribute, describing her as "a deeply valued and cherished part of our café team."
"Brooke brought so much more than her hard work to the workplace – her infectious sense of humour, kindness, and vibrant spirit had a way of lighting up every room she entered," the club wrote.
They added: "Brooke's sparkle, warmth, and the joy she shared so freely will never be forgotten. She will always hold a special place in our hearts and within our club."
Official Responses and Investigations
Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co, which operates the ski lifts at the resort, issued a statement expressing "deepest condolences to the bereaved family" and apologising "to all involved parties and to all those who regularly use our ski resort for the great concern and inconvenience caused."
The company pledged to fully cooperate with investigations and "take concrete measures to prevent recurrence, such as strengthening our safety management system."
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Monday that it was "providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Japan" and sent "deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time."
Community Mourning
The tragedy has resonated across multiple sporting communities in Queensland. AFL Masters Queensland, Noosa Tigers AFC, and the Mountain Creek Junior Australian Football Club all expressed their condolences in response to the Maroochydore Roos' tribute.
Former teammates shared personal memories, with Kelly Louise Loe commenting: "Coaching this beautiful little pocket rocket was a pleasure," while Rach Crack added: "She was sweet, caring, and never gave up … It was a privilege to have played alongside her."
The accident serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers associated with winter sports equipment and has prompted renewed discussions about safety protocols at ski resorts worldwide.
