Brooke Day, a 22-year-old from Queensland's Sunshine Coast, has died after a ski lift accident at the Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort in Japan's Hakuba Valley. She passed away in hospital on Sunday, surrounded by her parents, Deanne and Warren Day.
The accident occurred on Friday when Ms Day's avalanche rescue backpack became caught in the lift carriage. Resort staff stopped the lift and provided emergency assistance before she was transported to Omachi General Hospital.
Ms Day was an experienced snowboarder who had been snowboarding since age 11 and was on her fourth extended snow season in Japan. Her parents said she had recently completed a three-day avalanche rescue course and had helped rescue four people from a life-threatening situation.
In a statement, her family expressed gratitude to friends who assisted at the scene and to hospital staff. They requested privacy as they prepare to bring their daughter home to Australia.
Ms Day was also a cherished member of the Maroochydore Roos AFL Club, where she played junior and senior football. The club remembered her as a positive, vibrant teammate who always had a smile. She also played for the Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club and attended Mountain Creek State High School.
The resort's president, Hisao Kubo, said a tribute would be organized once a safety inspection is completed, out of respect for Ms Day's family. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
