Eight-year-old Australian schoolgirl dies in snowmobile accident in Japan | Australia news
An Australian schoolgirl died during a family holiday at a ski resort in Japan.
Eight-year-old Chloe Jeffries, from Queensland’s Gold Coast, was fatally injured when she rolled over while riding a snowmobile in Hakuba Valley, northwestern Nagano province, on Saturday.
Travel company Hakuba Lion Adventure said in a statement that first aid was given at the scene and he was taken to hospital by helicopter, but he could not be revived.
“The snowmobile tour was conducted with a total of nine snowmobiles, three of which were guides,” the company said. “During the tour, near an uphill bend along a forest road, the snowmobile…came over the embankment at the edge of the trail.”
“The vehicle then rolled over. As a result of the overturn, the passenger riding the snowmobile in tandem was trapped under the vehicle.”
The tour company said it would suspend all snowmobile and snowshoe tours until further notice as it reviews its offerings and safety procedures. It said it was working closely with police and other authorities to investigate the death.
“We sincerely and deeply apologize to all parties involved and to our customers for the great concern and distress caused,” the company said in a statement.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Wednesday morning it was providing consular assistance to the family of a deceased Australian in Japan.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the agency said in a statement.
Hakuba Valley is located in the foothills of the northern Japanese Alps. The region hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.
The South Coast Netball Association paid tribute to Chloe on Tuesday afternoon.
“Chloe was a very special part of our South Coast netball family. She was known for her beautiful nature, cheeky, infectious smile and the joy that came with just being herself. Chloe had a way of bringing joy to the fields and the people around her,” the association said. in a social media post.
“Above all else, Chloe was her big sister Hallee’s biggest supporter, always cheering from the sidelines and full of pride, courage and love.”
Chloe is the fourth Australian death in Japan’s snow-covered areas this year.
In February, 27-year-old Melbourne man Michael Hurst died while skiing in Niseko. Queensland snowboarder Brooke Day died in January when her avalanche rescue bag got stuck in a chairlift. Earlier that month, it was reported that Brisbane teenager Ryan Pribadi died while skiing in Niseko.
