Australian Snowboarder Dies in Tragic Japanese Ski Lift Accident
On February 2, 2026, tragic news emerged from Japan regarding an Australian snowboarder. Ella Day Brooke, aged 22, lost her life in a ski lift accident at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano prefecture.
Details of the Accident
The incident occurred on a Friday morning when Brooke attempted to disembark from the “Tsuga No. 2 Pair Lift.” According to Tsuneo Kubo, the resort’s chief executive, the snowboarder’s backpack became entangled with the lift. As a result, she was dragged along the lift, which was operating in the opposite direction.
Emergency response followed swiftly. An attendant pressed the emergency button, halting the lift to provide immediate aid. However, Brooke reportedly suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead on Sunday, February 4, 2026.
Response and Investigation
The resort expressed its condolences to Brooke’s family, pledging to assist them during this difficult time. Kubo stated, “We will do our utmost to respond to the needs of our deceased customers and their families.”
Local police are investigating the circumstances of Brooke’s death. They will review security camera footage to better understand the events leading to the tragedy.
Safety Measures and Lift Information
The “Tsuga No. 2 Pair Lift” operates at a speed of approximately 2.5 meters per second and can accommodate around 1,000 passengers hourly. Following the accident, the lift was closed on Saturday, with a commitment to thoroughly assess its safety before reopening.
- Location: Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Nagano, Japan
- Victim: Ella Day Brooke, 22 years old
- Incident Date: February 2, 2026
- Lift Speed: 2.5 meters per second
- Capacity: 1,000 passengers per hour
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia has been notified about the incident. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses, ensuring safety is prioritized at skiing resorts across Japan.
