The parents of an Australian woman killed in a ski lift accident in Japan over the weekend say their daughter was an accomplished snowboarder who trained in avalanche rescue shortly before her death.
Brooke Day, 22, died in hospital on Sunday morning after she was critically injured at the Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort in the Hakuba Valley on Friday.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Deanne and Warren Day say they were by their daughter’s bedside when she “passed peacefully”.
Ms Day’s parents said she was well-respected by her peers and known as “the safe one”. (Supplied: Warren and Deanne Day)
They said their daughter had been snowboarding since she was 11 and was on her “fourth extended snow season” in Japan.
After completing a three-day avalanche rescue course, her parents say she helped rescue four people from a life-threatening situation.
“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 Omachi General Hospital who did everything in their power to save her,” they wrote.
“So we can bring our beautiful girl home, we ask that our privacy be respected”.
The statement was made by Brooke’s parents, her sister Emma and brother Kain on behalf of their extended family.
Tributes flow after ski tragedy
Ms Day is being remembered by her Queensland football club community as a “beautiful girl” and “cherished teammate” while authorities investigate her death at a ski resort in Japan.
Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort chief executive Hisao Kubo said Ms Day’s backpack got caught in the lift carriage.
“Staff subsequently pressed the stop button to halt the lift,” Mr Kubo said in a statement.
“Prompt rescue efforts were undertaken, and the customer was transported by ambulance.”
Her parents say it was an avalanche rescue backpack that was caught, one she wore “to keep herself and her friends safe”.
Brooke Day died on a ski lift at Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort. (Supplied)
On Tuesday, the Maroochydore Roos AFL Club shared a heartfelt tribute for Ms Day and approved the ABC’s use of it online.
“It is with much heartbreak and sadness that we send out this tribute at the loss of one of the Roos family,” the club said.
“Recently, whilst working and enjoying time in Japan and as a result of a tragic accident, Brooke Day lost her life.”
Ms Day played with the Roos over her junior and senior football years but recently took a step back due to injury.
“She was a talented young football player and cherished team mate,” the tribute read.
“She was always a positive and vibrant part of the group, always had a smile on her face and despite various setbacks, she never brought her disappointments to the side.
“She was and will always be a much-loved and valued member of the Roos family and be missed beyond measure.”
Brooke Day with her father Warren and sister Emma. (Supplied: Maroochydore Roos AFL Club)
The club offered its condolences to Ms Day’s family, friends, and teammates.
“Rest in peace, Brooke Day. You little legend, friend and teammate. Roo always,” it said.
“Fly high, beautiful girl.”
Teammate Rach Clark said Ms Day would be dearly missed.
“Brooke was a teammate who made everything better just by being there. So humble and hardworking. The ultimate teammate in every sense,” she said.
“She was sweet, caring, and never gave up, no matter what injury she faced, doing it all with her cheeky smile. It was a privilege to have played alongside her.”
Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort is a popular ski spot in Japan. (ABC News: Kellie Lazzaro)
Ms Day also played on the senior squad for the Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club and attended Mountain Creek State High School.
The club and school declined to comment.
The Tsugaike resort told the ABC it planned to organise a tribute to honour the young Australian.
President and chief executive Hisao Kubo said the tribute would be held once the safety inspection was completed, out of respect for Ms Day’s family.
He said the resort extended its condolences to the Day family and would support them in any way possible.
Mr Kubo added that the resort was continuing to cooperate with authorities as investigations continued.
The Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club, where Ms Day worked on the Sunshine Coast, has paid tribute to the “much-loved” former staff member, saying her loss had been deeply felt across the organisation.
In a statement on social media, the club said she was a valued member of its cafe team and wider club community, known for her kindness, humour and vibrant spirit.
“Brooke brought so much more than her hard work to the workplace — her warmth and positivity lit up every room,” the statement said.
Brooke Day (first row, centre) with former colleagues at the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club on the Sunshine Coast. (Photo supplied: Alex Surf Club)
The club extended its condolences to her family and friends, saying she would always hold a special place in the club’s heart.
Ms Day also previously worked at the at Hakuba Physio and Asia Physio. The businesses have been contacted for comment.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it was providing consular assistance to Ms Day’s family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”