The family of an Australian snowboarder who tragically died in a freak chairlift accident at a Japanese ski resort has shared a heartbreaking statement.
Brooke Day, 22, lost her life last Friday at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture.
Authorities say her backpack became entangled with a lift buckle as she attempted to disembark. Caught on the machinery, Day was dragged across the snow and suspended mid-air as the lift continued moving.
Rescue staff quickly stopped the lift, and Day—who reportedly suffered cardiac arrest—was rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, she was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Her family later confirmed that the backpack involved was an Avalanche Rescue pack, designed to protect her and her friends while on the slopes.
Brooke Day, 22, tragically died last Friday in a chairlift accident at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture.
Her family described her as an “advanced snowboarder who had loved the sport since she was 11.”
“She was on her fourth extended snow season in Japan,” they said. “Brooke was well-respected by her peers and known among her group as the ‘safe one.’ She had recently completed a three-day avalanche course and, in the past few weeks, had used that knowledge to help rescue four people from life-threatening situations.”
To protect herself and her friends, Brooke was wearing an Avalanche Rescue backpack at the time of the accident. Tragically, it was this backpack that became caught on the ski lift, leading to the fatal incident, her family added.
Her parents immediately flew to Japan to be by her side.
Brooke Day’s family described her as an “advanced snowboarder who had loved the sport since she was 11.”
“We were at Brooke’s side when she passed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning (Australian time),” they said.
They expressed gratitude to her friends, who “rendered assistance in her time of need and stayed with her until we arrived in Japan,” as well as the staff at Omachi General Hospital, “who did everything in their power to save her.”
The family also thanked the Sunshine Coast sporting community and wider public for their support and prayers.
Day, originally from Queensland, was working in Japan as a receptionist at a physiotherapy clinic in Hakuba, located within the ski resort.
Day’s backpack is believed to have become entangled with a lift buckle as she attempted to exit the chairlift.
She described herself as a people person who loved “getting to know the patients and making them feel welcome and seen.” Day also shared her personal motto of living “in the moment” and cited her proudest achievement as representing her country in sport.
Her sporting clubs in Nambour and Maroochydore have also paid tribute to her.
Day’s family confirmed that it was an Avalanche Rescue backpack—worn to protect herself and her friends—that became caught on the lift.
Her local AFL club, the Maroochydore Roos, described her as a “talented young football player and cherished teammate” who “always had a smile on her face” and “never brought her disappointments to the side.”
“She was and will always be a much-loved and valued member of the Roos family and be missed beyond measure,” the club wrote. “You little legend, friend and teammate. Roo always! Fly high, beautiful girl.”
Teammates and friends also shared tributes on social media. One wrote: “Brooke was a teammate who made everything better just by being there. So humble and hardworking—the ultimate teammate in every sense.”
Another added: “She was sweet, caring and never gave up, no matter what injury she faced, always with her cheeky smile. It was a privilege to have played alongside her.”
“We would like to thank her friends who rendered assistance in her time of need and stayed with her until we arrived in Japan, as well as the staff at Omachi General Hospital who did everything in their power to save her,” her family said.
The Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club described Day as an “iconic” member of the senior women’s squad.
“On the field, Brooke played with courage and determination, continually growing and improving with every game,” the club said. “Off the field, her smile, kindness, and fun-loving spirit lit up our club. She was never one to shy away from our off-field festivities.”
Day described herself as a people person who loved “getting to know the patients and making them feel welcome and seen.”
The Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club added: “Brooke contributed so much to our team and our Nambour Rugby community in such a short time, and her impact will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her during this incredibly difficult time.
“There are no words that truly capture the loss our club is feeling. Rest easy, beautiful Brooke. Your infectious smile, zest for life, and contagious giggle will live on in our memories forever.”
