Brooke Day, a 22-year-old Australian snowboarder, died after her Avalanche Rescue backpack became caught on a chairlift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano on Jan. 30. The fastened chest strap prevented the pack from detaching; she was dragged, suffered a cardiac arrest, and later died in hospital. Her family said she was an experienced rider who had completed avalanche training and had recently helped rescue others. A GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs had raised $5,100 toward a $10,000 target.
Tragic Chairlift Accident: 22-Year-Old Australian Snowboarder Brooke Day Dies After Backpack Snags Lift in Japan
Brooke DayBrooke Day Facebook
Brooke Day, a 22-year-old Australian snowboarder, has died after her Avalanche Rescue backpack became entangled with a chairlift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture on Jan. 30. The incident, which occurred at around 9 a.m. local time, left Day critically injured; she suffered a cardiac arrest and later died in hospital.
Incident Details
According to the resort operator, a buckle on the unfastened waist belt of Day’s backpack became caught on a lift chair. Because the pack’s chest strap had been fastened, the backpack did not detach and was dragged along with her as the lift moved. Emergency responders transported Day to Omachi General Hospital, where she later passed away.
Brooke DayFamily Handout
Experience and Training
Day’s family described her as an "advanced snowboarder" who had loved the sport since age 11 and was in Japan on her fourth extended snow season. They said she had recently completed a three-day avalanche course and had used that training to help rescue four people from life-threatening situations in recent weeks. She was wearing an Avalanche Rescue backpack to protect herself and others when the accident occurred.
Family, Response and Memorial
Family members rushed to Japan and were at Brooke’s side when she died. In a statement they thanked friends who assisted at the scene and stayed with her until they arrived, and they praised the staff at Omachi General Hospital for their efforts.
Top gondola station at Tsugaike ski resort in central JapanGetty
"We are forever grateful for your 22 years as our daughter and little sister. Brookie, you’ll live on forever in our hearts and minds. Rest in powder and shred it up in the mountains in the sky. We love you endlessly."
A GoFundMe page established to help cover funeral expenses had raised $5,100 toward a $10,000 goal at the time of reporting. A Tsugaike Mountain Resort spokesperson offered condolences and said the company would respond with "sincerity and respect" to the bereaved family as the situation is reviewed.
What Officials Have Said
The resort and lift operator provided an initial technical explanation about how the backpack’s buckle became caught and emphasized their condolences. Local authorities and the resort are likely to review safety procedures related to chairlift loading and personal equipment to help prevent similar accidents.
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