Sad news out of Nagano this week as 22-year-old Brooke Day from the Sunshine Coast, died in a chairlift accident at Tsugaike ski resort last Friday.
Her backpack strap got caught on the Tsuga #2 double chairlift as she disembarked and she ended up suspended in mid air before apparently going into cardiac arrest.
According to media reports her waist belt buckle of the backpack was unfastened, however her chest strap was, which meant she was unable to be released immediately and ended up in a precarious position.
An investigation is underway into the fatal accident and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family.
Day was in Japan, like many Australians, working a ski season in Hakuba. She was a team member at a physiotherapist clinic.
The chairlift remains closed until the resort can assure its safety.
Our thoughts are with the Day family, friends and Hakuba community.
