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Australian Snowboarder, 22, Dies After Backpack Snags Chairlift in Japan

The chairlift is shut during a police-led investigation into how a loose buckle on her avalanche‑rescue pack became trapped at Tsugaike Mountain Resort.

Overview

  • Brooke Day was dragged and left suspended after a strap buckle on her backpack caught near the unloading area on January 30.
  • Resort staff hit the emergency stop and attempted a rescue, but a fastened chest strap kept the bag secured to her body.
  • She suffered cardiac arrest and was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where her death was confirmed.
  • The operator has closed the chairlift and is cooperating with authorities, and CEO Tsuneo Kubo pledged a thorough safety review.
  • Australia’s foreign ministry confirmed her death, offered condolences, and is providing consular support as the incident renews scrutiny of backpacks and loose straps on lifts.