Heartfelt tributes are flowing for a young Australian woman who lost her life in a tragic ski lift accident at a popular snow resort in Japan. Sunshine Coast woman Brooke Day, aged 22, died after a buckle on her backpack became lodged in the lift carriage at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano Prefecture, west of Tokyo, on Friday.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The resort's operator, Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co, explained that Day, who had been working in Japan, was involved in the accident when a buckle at the end of an unfastened waist belt attached to her backpack became caught in the lift carriage. Because her chest strap was fastened, the backpack remained attached to her body.
After disembarking the lift, the customer was dragged along with the backpack. Subsequently, staff pressed the stop button to halt the lift. Prompt rescue efforts were carried out, and the customer was transported by ambulance. Day was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after, the resort confirmed.
Family and Community Response
Her parents have flown from Queensland to be with her. While the circumstances of the accident are being investigated, friends, family, and teammates have focused on celebrating Day's life. Her sporting clubs in Nambour and Maroochydore have shared messages of love and remembrance, paying tribute to her talent, positivity, and warmth.
Maroochydore Roos AFL Tribute
Maroochydore Roos AFL described Day as a talented young football player and cherished teammate who always had a smile on her face and never brought her disappointments to the side. A teammate wrote online that she was a teammate who made everything better just by being there. So humble and hardworking, it was a privilege to have played alongside her.
Other friends recalled her cheeky smile, determination, and the joy she brought to the team, even while recovering from injuries. The Roos club wrote, Rest easy beautiful girl. You little legend, friend and teammate. Fly high your infectious smile and zest for life will live on in our memories forever.
Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club Remembrance
Similarly, the Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club, where Brooke had been a key member of the Senior Women's squad, expressed heartbreak at her passing. The club said her smile, kindness, and fun-loving spirit lit up our club and her impact on teammates and the wider community would never be forgotten.
Supportive messages poured in from across the rugby and broader sporting community. A comment read, A life taken too soon! She will be greatly missed by everyone who was privileged enough to know her.
Official Statements and Safety Measures
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed on Monday it is providing consular assistance to Brooke's family, sending its deepest condolences at this difficult time. Tsugaike Mountain Resort also issued a statement on Saturday expressing sorrow and pledging to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort president and representative director Tsuneo Kubo said, 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 to the bereaved family and the deceased guest. We will continue to fully co-operate with the police and relevant authorities in their investigation.
