Family of Brooke Day share heartbreaking statement following tragic ski death
The family of the Australian snowboarder who died in a terrible accident at a ski resort in Japan made a heartbreaking statement.
Brooke Day, 22, died last Friday following an accident on a chairlift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture.
It is believed Ms Day’s backpack became entangled in the elevator buckle as she attempted to exit the elevator.
With her backpack attached to the machine, Ms Day was dragged through the snow and then suspended in the air as the lift continued to move.
Staff managed to stop the elevator and Ms Day, who reportedly suffered a heart attack, was taken to hospital by ambulance.
However, he was declared dead a short time later.
On Tuesday, his family revealed that what the 22-year-old was wearing to keep himself and his friends safe was an Avalanche Rescue backpack that got stuck in the elevator.
The family said Ms Day was “an advanced snowboarder who had loved the sport since the age of 11”.
“Japan was experiencing its fourth long snow season,” the family said.
“He was respected by his peers and was known as ‘the safe one’ among the group.
“Brooke recently completed a three-day avalanche course.
“Over the past few weeks he used this knowledge to help save four people from life-threatening situations.
“Brooke was wearing her Avalanche Rescue backpack on Friday to keep herself and her friends safe.
“Tragically, it was the Avalanche Rescue backpack that got stuck on the ski lift.”
They explained that his parents flew to be with him.
“We were by Brooke’s side as she passed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning (Australian time),” they said.
“We want to thank his friends who helped him in his time of need and stayed with him until he reached Japan, and the staff of Omachi General Hospital who did everything they could to save him.
“I would also like to thank the Sunshine Coast sporting community and wider community for your support and prayers.”
Ms Day, from Queensland, was working in Japan as a receptionist at a physio clinic in the resort town of Hakuba.
He described himself as a person who loves “getting to know patients and making them feel welcome and seen.”
He also stated that his personal motto is “living in the moment” and that his greatest achievement is playing sports representing his country.
Ms Day’s sports clubs in Nambour and Maroochydore also paid tribute to her.
Maroochydore Roos AFL described Ms Day as “a talented young footballer and valued teammate who always had a smile on her face” and who “never put her frustrations aside”.
“He was and always will be a much loved and valued member of the Roos family and will be greatly missed,” the club wrote.
“You little legend, friend and teammate. Always smile! Fly high beautiful girl.”
His teammates and friends also paid tribute on social media.
One person wrote: “Brooke was a teammate who made everything better just by being there. She was very humble and hardworking. An all-around great teammate.”
“He was sweet, caring and never gave up no matter what injury he faced, all with his cheeky smile. It was a privilege to play alongside him.”
Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club said Ms Day was an “iconic” part of its senior women’s team.
“Brooke played with courage and determination on the pitch and continued to grow and improve with every match she played,” the club said.
“Off the field, his smile, kindness and fun-loving spirit brightened our club and he was never one to shy away from our off-field festivities.
“Brooke has contributed so much to our team and Nambour Rugby community in such a short time and her impact will never be forgotten.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him during this incredibly difficult time.
“There are no words that can truly describe the loss our club feels. Rest easy beautiful Brooke. Your infectious smile, zest for life and infectious giggle will live on in our memories forever.”
