“THE TRAGIC DEATH OF AUSTRALIAN SNOWBOARDER, - BROOKE DAY”

 

On January 30, 2026, a tragic accident occurred at the Tsugaike Ski Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, resulting in the death of Brooke Day, a 22-year-old Australian snowboarder.

The incident is a harrowing example of a freak accident occurring during routine mountain operations.

 

1. The Incident: January 30, 2026

Brooke Day was an experienced snowboarder on her fourth winter season in Japan. On the morning of the accident, she was riding the Tsuga No. 2 Pair Lift near the summit of the resort.

·        The Snag: As Day attempted to disembark the lift carriage at the top station, a buckle from the waist belt of her avalanche rescue backpack became caught in the lift machinery.

·        The Dragging: Critically, while the waist belt was unfastened, the chest strap of the backpack was securely buckled. This fastened strap meant the backpack could not detach from her body. As the lift chair continued its movement forward and around the bullwheel, Day was dragged along the snow and then lifted into the air.

·        Suspension: She was left suspended in mid-air, caught between the chair and the lift structure.

 

2. Rescue Efforts

Resort staff quickly recognized the distress situation. An attendant pressed the emergency stop button to halt the lift mechanism.

·        Medical Emergency: According to police reports, Day went into cardiac arrest while suspended.

·        Transportation: Staff lowered her and provided first aid before she was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition.

 

3. Aftermath and Death

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Brooke Day did not survive her injuries.

·        Tragic Passing: Her family announced that she passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026 (Australian time), surrounded by her family who had flown to Japan to be at her side.

4. Investigation and Reactions:

The Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co. and local authorities launched an immediate investigation into the mechanical failure and safety protocols.

·        Resort Statement: The resort's CEO, Kubo Tsuneo, expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family, stating they would fully cooperate with the police and implement stronger safety monitoring systems to prevent recurrence.

·        Family Tribute: Day's family remembered her as an "advanced snowboarder" who was highly trained in safety and avalanche rescue. They shared that she was wearing the backpack specifically to keep herself and her friends safe, adding to the tragic irony of the accident.

·        Consular Assistance: The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provided consular assistance to Day's family during this difficult time.

 

Following the tragic death of Brooke Day, the incident has highlighted critical safety procedures that all skiers and snowboarders should follow when riding chairlifts with backpacks.

 

Ski Lift Backpack Safety Protocols:

The primary danger when wearing a backpack on a chairlift is entanglement—when straps, buckles, or loose fabric catch on the lift machinery, chair frame, or unloading ramp.

 

1. Pre-Boarding Procedures:

·        Remove the Backpack: The safest procedure is to take the backpack off entirely before entering the loading area.

·        Hold on Lap: Carry the backpack on your lap while riding. This ensures it does not get caught on the backrest during loading or unloading.

·        Secure All Straps: If you must wear the pack, ensure every strap—waist belt, chest strap, and compression straps—is securely buckled or tucked away. Dangling straps are the most common cause of entanglement.

 

2. During the Ride:

·        Sit Back: Keep your back firmly against the seat backrest.

·        Avoid Adjusting Gear: Do not try to adjust your backpack, bindings, or clothing while the lift is moving.

 

3. Disembarking (Unloading):

·        Check for Snags: Before standing up to exit, quickly check that no part of your pack is hooked on the chair.

·        Clear the Area: Move away from the unloading ramp immediately to avoid being struck by the chair as it turns to return down the mountain.

 

Investigation Status and Legal Outcomes (As of Feb 9, 2026):

The investigation into the Tsugaike Ski Resort accident is ongoing, with local authorities and resort operators collaborating to determine the precise sequence of events.

 

Aspect	Status
Police Investigation	The Nagano Prefectural Police are investigating the incident as a potential case of professional negligence resulting in death. They are examining lift maintenance records and surveillance footage.
Resort Response	Tsugaike Mountain Resort has suspended operation of the specific lift involved indefinitely for safety reviews.
Safety Measures	The resort has announced it will implement stricter monitoring at loading stations, particularly for guests wearing backpacks, and will increase public awareness campaigns about entanglement risks.

 

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