Family of snowboarder who died in freak chairlift accident shares heartbreaking statement

The family of an Australian snowboarder who died in a freak accident at a ski resort in Japan has released a heartbreaking statement.

Brooke Day, 22, died last Friday after an accident on a chair lift at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture.

Day’s backpack is believed to have become entangled with a lift buckle as she attempted to leave the lift.

With her backpack snagged on the machinery, Day was dragged along the snow and then suspended mid-air as the lift kept moving.

Staff managed to halt the lift, and Day, who reportedly had suffered cardiac arrest, was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

However, she was declared dead shortly afterwards.

On Tuesday, her family explained it was an Avalanche Rescue backpack that the 22-year-old was wearing to keep her and her friends safe that got caught on the lift.

The family said Day was an “advanced snowboarder, who had loved the sport since she was 11.”

“She was on her fourth extended snow season in Japan,” the family said.

“She was well-respected by her peers and was known among the group as the ‘safe one.’ Brooke recently completed a three-day avalanche course. In the past few weeks, she used that knowledge to help rescue four people from life-threatening situations.

“To keep herself and friends safe, Brooke was wearing the Avalanche Rescue backpack on Friday. Tragically, it was the Avalanche Rescue backpack that got caught on the ski lift, her family added.

Her parents flew over to be by her side, they explained.

“We were at Brooke’s side when she passed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning (Australian time),” they said.

“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 the Omachi General Hospital who did everything in their power to save her.

“Thank you also to the Sunshine Coast sporting and wider community for your support and prayers.”

Day, from Queensland, was working in Japan as a receptionist at a physio clinic in Hakuba, which is within the resort.

She described herself as a people person who loved “getting to know the patients and making them feel welcome and seen.”

She also described her personal motto as living “in the moment” and her most outstanding achievement as playing representative sport for her country.

Day’s sporting clubs in Nambour and Maroochydore also paid tribute to her.

Maroochydore Roos AFL described Day 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 posted tributes on social media.

“Brooke was a teammate who made everything better just by being there. So humble and hardworking. The ultimate teammate in every sense,” one person wrote.

“She was sweet, caring and never gave up, no matter what injury she faced, doing it all with her cheeky smile. It’s was a privilege to have played alongside her.”

The Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club said Ms Day was an “iconic” part of the senior women’s squad.

“On the field, Brooke played with courage, determination, and she continued to grow and improve with every game that she played,” the club said.

“Off the field, her smile, kindness, and fun-loving spirit lit up our club, and she was never one to shy away from our off-field festivities.

“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.”