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A young Australian man who died while skiing in Japan has been identified, as heartbreaking tributes pour in.
Michael “Micky” Hurst, 27, was skiing in unpatrolled back-country terrain between Niseko Moiwa and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resorts on Monday afternoon.
Local reports say Hurst, who was travelling in a group of seven, fell behind the group around halfway down a mountain.
Once realizing this, the group returned to look for him around 3 pm, where they found four skiers performing CPR on their unconscious friend.
He was then transported to the hospital, where he later died.
Hurst is believed to have died from a heart attack, while early reports from local media indicate he disappeared in an avalanche.
The 27-year-old, who grew up in Melbourne’s Bayside community, had been working at a local hotel at a ski resort in Niseko, a popular skiing and snowboarding destination.
In a heartbreaking tribute online posted by a family friend, Hurst was remembered as the “healthiest, good-looking, but most humble child, young man, we knew.”
“No mother wants to have to be the one to tell you the news that your childhood best friend passed away, having a heart attack on the slopes of Japan,” she wrote.
“Knowing he died doing the sport he loved the most makes us happy knowing you left this world in full action.”
“Taken way too soon.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to news.com.au it is providing consular assistance “to the family of an Australian who died in Japan.”
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”
Consular assistance may include support and guidance to families and liaison with local and Australian authorities to assist with funeral arrangements or repatriation of remains.
Second death in days
The incident comes just days after 22-year-old Brooke Day was killed in a freak accident while exiting a chairlift in Japan.
Close friends have started a GoFundMe to provide financial support for the young woman’s family.
Brooke Day, 22, died after her backpack became entangled with a chair lift buckle at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari last weekend, as she attempted to disembark the lift.
She spent several agonising minutes trapped and suspended from the chair lift before going into cardiac arrest.
Day’s family revealed she was wearing an Avalanche Rescue backpack to keep her and her friends safe at the time of the incident.
With her backpack snagged on the machinery, Day was dragged along the snow and then suspended mid-air as the lift kept moving.
A GoFundMe has so far raised $42,107 to support Day’s family, who rushed to Japan to be by her side when she “passed peacefully” in the early hours of Sunday morning – Australian time.
“As close friends of the Day family, we have come together during an unimaginably difficult time following the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Brooke,” the GoFundMe read.
“Our hearts are with her family as they navigate this profound grief.
“As they mourn, the family also needs time away from work to be together, support one another, and begin to process this devastating loss.
“This GoFundMe has been created to help ease some of the financial burden during this period, including unexpected costs arising from this tragedy, and to give the family the space, time, and support they need.”
Friends of the Days, who created the fundraiser, continued that any contribution, “no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference.”
“If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page or keeping Brooke’s family in your thoughts is deeply appreciated.”
In a statement released by the family this week, they explained Day had recently completed a three-day avalanche course, and in the past few weeks, she used that knowledge to help rescue four people from life-threatening situations.
“To keep herself and friends safe, Brooke was wearing the Avalanche Rescue backpack on Friday,” the statement read.
“Tragically, it was the Avalanche Rescue backpack that got caught on the ski lift.”
It’s understood that Day, an avid snowboarder who moved to Japan for the ski season, attempted to get off the chair lift when the unfastened waist buckle on her backpack became caught in the lift.
According to the Daily Mail, the separate chest strap was fastened, preventing her backpack from being removed from her body.
She was then dragged along the snow and left hanging as the chair went around the bullwheel.
An operator hit the emergency stop button, where she remained suspended for several minutes. Once freed, she was not breathing and went into cardiac arrest. She later died in the hospital.
“We would like to thank her friends who rendered assistance in her time of need, and stayed with her until we arrived in Japan, as well as the staff at the Omachi General Hospital who did everything in their power to save her,” the family’s statement continued.
“Thank you also to the Sunshine Coast sporting and wider community for your support and prayers.”
Day was working in Japan as a receptionist at a physio clinic in Hakuba, which is within the resort.
Apart from her love for snowboarding, Day was also an “iconic member” of the Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club in Woombye, Queensland.
On Monday, the club released a touching statement that described Day as “not only a talented young rugby player but a cherished teammate, friend, and daughter.”
“Earlier today we shared positive news for our women’s program; now we share news that is incredibly difficult for our club, community, and most of all, our female players,” the statement shared on Facebook read.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Brooke Day, an iconic member of our Senior Women’s squad over the past two seasons. Taken far too soon …”
The club said on the field, Day played with courage, determination, and she continued to grow and improve with every game that she played.
“Off the field, her smile, kindness, and fun-loving spirit lit up our club, and she was never one to shy away from our off-field festivities.”
“Brooke contributed so much to our team and our Nambour Rugby community in such a short time, and her impact will never be forgotten.”
The club said its thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her during this “incredibly difficult time.”
“There are no words that truly capture the loss our club is feeling. Rest easy, beautiful Brooke.”
“Your infectious smile, zest for life, and contagious giggle will live on in our memories forever.”
Police are questioning resort staff and inspecting the lift equipment as part of their inquiry, according to local media.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed Ms Day’s death.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Japan,” a spokesperson said.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.
“Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”
Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley is one of Nagano’s largest and most popular ski areas.
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