Gold Coast Girl, 8, Dies in Japan Snowmobile Accident, Fourth Australian Ski Death This Year
An eight-year-old girl from the Gold Coast, Chloe Jeffries, has tragically lost her life in a snowmobile accident while on a family holiday in Japan. The incident occurred on February 28 near Hakuba Village in the Nagano Prefecture, according to local media reports.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Japanese police have confirmed that Chloe was a passenger on a snowmobile driven by her mother when the vehicle flipped over an embankment in the Hokujo area. She sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Matsumoto, where she later passed away. The accident has sent shockwaves through her community and highlights the dangers of winter sports activities.
A Growing Toll on Australian Skiers in Japan
This heartbreaking event marks the fourth death of an Australian on Japan's ski slopes in 2024. Earlier this year, the skiing community mourned the losses of Michael Hurst, a 27-year-old man from Victoria, Brooke Day, a 22-year-old woman from the Sunshine Coast, and Rylan Henry Priba, a 17-year-old teenager from Brisbane. These incidents underscore the need for heightened safety awareness among tourists engaging in winter sports abroad.
Community Mourns a Bright Young Spirit
The South Coast Netball Association, where Chloe was an active member, has expressed profound grief over her passing. In a heartfelt tribute, the club described her as a bright and joyful presence, noting her "cheeky, infectious smile" that lit up the courts. "Chloe was a very special part of our South Coast netball family," the association stated. "She brought joy simply by being herself. Her connection to our club will forever be remembered."
The loss is deeply felt across the community, with thoughts now with Chloe's parents, Fairlee and Daniel, and her sister as they navigate "unimaginable grief." To honour her memory, a tribute will be held before the club's first game of the 2026 season this weekend. Players, officials, and supporters are encouraged to wear sparkly pink armbands or ribbons—Chloe's favourite colour—as a symbol of remembrance. Members are also being urged to share stories and memories to celebrate her impact.
"Chloe will always be remembered for her bright spirit, her endless love for her sister, and the happiness she brought to our netball community," the association added. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment regarding the incident, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
