Tragic Accident at Tsugaike Mountain Resort
An Australian snowboarder, identified as Brooke Day, 22, tragically died following an accident at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, near Nagano, Japan. The incident occurred on Friday, January 30, 2026, around 9 a.m. local time, when her backpack became caught on a ski lift, leaving her suspended mid-air.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, Ms. Day was on the Tsuga No. 2 Pair Lift when an unfastened waist belt buckle on her backpack became hooked on the lift chair. While attempting to disembark, the backpack's chest strap remained securely fastened, causing her to be dragged along the snow and then suspended in mid-air. A staff member promptly pressed an emergency stop button to halt the lift. Ms. Day suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Resort's Response and Investigation
The Tsugaike Mountain Resort and Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co. have jointly issued an apology for the fatal accident. They confirmed that an investigation would be launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Kubo Tsuneo, CEO and director of Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co., expressed deep condolences to Ms. Day's family and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
Background of Brooke Day
Brooke Day, originally from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, was working as a receptionist at a physio clinic in Hakuba, a village approximately 8 kilometers south of the ski resort. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed her death and is providing consular assistance to her family during this difficult time.
6 Comments
Africa
While the resort must thoroughly investigate its safety procedures, such freak accidents, though tragic, can sometimes be hard to completely foresee or prevent with current technology.
Bermudez
A terrible loss of a young life. Praying for her loved ones.
Coccinella
The resort's quick action to stop the lift was appropriate, but the fact that this could happen at all raises questions about standard safety checks. A full, transparent investigation is paramount.
Muchacho
The resort is responsible. They need to ensure proper safety protocols.
ZmeeLove
This incident highlights serious safety concerns regarding ski lift design and passenger warnings. Yet, it also serves as a stark reminder for individuals to double-check all their equipment.
Noir Black
So sad to hear this. Hope the investigation provides some clarity.