The tragic death of 22-year-old Australian snowboarder Brooke Day has sent shockwaves through the global snow sports community, highlighting the razor-thin line between preparation for danger and unforeseen peril on the slopes. On January 30, 2026, at the scenic Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano Prefecture, Japan—part of the renowned Hakuba Valley—Brooke became entangled in a freak chairlift accident that ended her life. What makes this incident particularly heartbreaking is the irony: the very equipment meant to save her in an avalanche became the instrument of her demise.
Brooke Day, from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, was no novice thrill-seeker. An advanced snowboarder since age 11, she had fallen deeply in love with the sport’s freedom, adrenaline, and camaraderie. This was her fourth extended snow season in Japan, where she worked and lived the dream of endless powder days amid towering Japanese Alps. Friends and teammates described her as the “safe one”—the reliable voice in the group who prioritized caution, checked conditions, and looked out for others. Her infectious smile, cheeky humor, and unshakeable positivity made her a beloved figure in Australia’s sporting circles, from rugby pitches to AFL fields.
Just weeks before the accident, Brooke had completed a rigorous three-day avalanche rescue course, equipping herself with life-saving knowledge. She put it into immediate action, helping rescue four people from potentially fatal situations in recent outings. To protect herself and her friends in Japan’s unpredictable backcountry, she carried an Avalanche Rescue backpack—a specialized piece of gear featuring a built-in airbag system that inflates rapidly to keep the wearer afloat on an avalanche’s surface, often paired with a transceiver beacon for location in buried scenarios.
On that fateful Friday morning, around 9 a.m. local time, Brooke boarded the Tsuga No. 2 Pair Lift (a two-seater chairlift) near the summit at Tsugaike Kogen. As she prepared to disembark at the top station, disaster struck in an instant. According to statements from Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co., the operator, a buckle at the end of an unfastened waist belt on her backpack became lodged in the lift carriage mechanism. The chest strap remained secured across her body, preventing the pack from detaching. As the lift continued moving, Brooke was dragged along the snow before being hoisted into the air, suspended helplessly as the chair ascended and began its return loop.
Staff reacted swiftly, pressing the emergency stop button to halt the lift. Rescue efforts followed immediately—first aid administered on-site, followed by an ambulance transport to Omachi General Hospital. Tragically, Brooke had suffered cardiac arrest during the ordeal, likely from the intense physical trauma, suspension stress, or impact. Despite every effort by medical staff, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her family—parents Deanne and Warren, sister Emma, and brother Kain—rushed from Australia to be by her side, arriving in time to witness her peaceful passing in the early hours of Sunday morning (Australian time).
In a poignant family statement released on Tuesday, February 3, the Days expressed profound grief while honoring their daughter’s spirit:
“Brooke was an advanced snowboarder who had loved the sport since she was 11. She was on her fourth extended snow season in Japan… She was well-respected by her peers and known amongst the group as the ‘safe one.’ Brooke recently completed a 3-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.”
The family extended heartfelt thanks to Brooke’s friends who stayed with her through the chaos, the dedicated staff at Omachi General Hospital, and the broader Sunshine Coast community for their overwhelming support and prayers. They asked for privacy as they prepare to bring their “beautiful girl” home.
Tributes have flooded in from every corner of Brooke’s world. The Maroochydore Roos AFL club remembered her as a “talented young football player and cherished teammate” whose smile lit up the field: “She always had a smile on her face… never brought her disappointments to the side. She was a teammate who made everything better just by being there.” The Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club echoed the sentiment, calling her a key member of the Senior Women’s squad whose kindness and fun-loving spirit “lit up our club.” Friends online shared stories of her determination during injury recoveries, her humility, and the joy she radiated: “Rest easy beautiful girl… Fly high—your infectious smile and zest for life will live on in our memories forever.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed consular assistance to the family, offering deepest condolences. Tsugaike Mountain Resort issued its own statement of sorrow, with president and representative director Tsuneo Kubo expressing profound regret: “We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and sincerely pray for the peace of the departed… Our company will respond with sincerity and dedication… We will continue to fully co-operate with the police and relevant authorities in their investigation.” The resort pledged to strengthen safety protocols and implement measures to prevent recurrence, including enhanced staff training and equipment checks.
This incident is not isolated in raising concerns. Reports indicate that just 12 days prior, another skier narrowly escaped a similar drag incident on the same Tsuga 2 chairlift, stopped in time by quick operator action. While investigations continue—including review of surveillance footage—the accident underscores persistent risks with chairlifts: loose straps, dangling gear, and the dangers of not removing or properly securing backpacks during boarding and unloading.
Safety experts in snow sports emphasize simple but critical habits: always remove backpacks and place them on your lap or beside you on lifts, ensure all straps are fastened or tucked away, and be vigilant during dismount. Avalanche rescue packs, while invaluable in backcountry scenarios, introduce additional hanging points if not managed carefully on groomed resort terrain.
Brooke’s story is a devastating reminder of life’s fragility amid pursuits of passion. She embodied the best of adventure sports—skilled, responsible, and selfless—yet fell victim to a split-second mishap. Her legacy endures in the lives she touched, the rescues she aided, and the outpouring of love from communities across Australia and Japan.
As the snow continues to fall in Hakuba Valley, friends and family hold tight to memories of Brooke’s cheeky grin carving fresh lines, her laughter echoing through powder stashes, and her unwavering commitment to keeping everyone safe. In her honor, may every rider pause, check their gear, and remember: the mountains demand respect, and safety is never optional.
The global snow community mourns a bright light extinguished too soon. Brooke Day—adventurer, rescuer, teammate, daughter, sister, friend—will be remembered not for how she left us, but for how fully she lived. Fly high, little legend.
