Overview
- John Smart confirmed his 23-year-old son Kai died after an avalanche in Japan, citing severe oxygen deprivation during burial.
- The skier was flown by air ambulance from Japan to Vancouver General Hospital for emergency care.
- His family says he was an organ donor whose heart and other organs are now helping four people.
- Smart grew up in Whistler, graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2025, and completed the ski film Tien Shan Dream.
- The ski community shared condolences, including Olympic medalist Gus Kenworthy, and the family is planning a celebration of life in Whistler.