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Australian Snowboarder, 22, Dies After Backpack Snags on Nagano Chairlift

The operator has halted the Tsuga No.2 lift pending a police investigation, pledging new safety measures before reopening.

Overview

  • Brooke Day of Australia was fatally injured Friday at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley after trying to disembark a fixed‑grip chairlift.
  • The lift operator said a buckle on an unfastened waist belt of her backpack caught the chair, and because her chest strap was fastened she was dragged and left suspended.
  • Staff hit the emergency stop and she was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest, where police said she died on Sunday.
  • Her family said she had been wearing an Avalanche Rescue backpack during the incident and that they are receiving consular support from Australia’s DFAT.
  • Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co. says it is cooperating with Nagano police, keeping the lift closed and preparing measures to prevent a recurrence.