Arya News - A second Australian has died while skiing in Japan, just days after a young woman was killed in a separate freak accident on the country’s slopes.
A second Australian has died while skiing in Japan, just days after a young woman was killed in a separate freak accident on the country’s slopes.
Melbourne man Michael “Micky” Hurst, 27, disappeared in Japan’s Hokkaido region, between Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort, after becoming separated from his group of seven friends about 3pm local time on Monday (6am GMT).
His group searched for him and later found another group of skiers administering CPR after discovering him unconscious.
Mr Hurst was taken to hospital by emergency services, where he was pronounced dead.
Local police said they were investigating the cause of his death, but reported there were no visible injuries.
There is a deadly two-week spell of heavy snow in northern Japan - Shutterstock
Some reports suggest the man may have been buried by snow in an avalanche or suffered a medical episode.
Mr Hurst, who had reportedly been living and working at a lodging facility in the area, was described in an online tribute by a family friend as “the most humble” young man.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to Mr Hurst’s family.
“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.”
Woman killed in ski lift tragedy
Mr Hurst’s death comes amid a deadly two-week spell of heavy snow in northern Japan, which has already been linked to at least 35 deaths nationwide.
Authorities said many victims suffered sudden heart attacks or were injured while clearing snow, with up to two metres (6.5 feet) piling up in some regions.
Australian woman Brooke Day, 22, died just days ago, following a ski lift accident at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, in Japan’s Nagano prefecture.
Michael Hurst’s death comes within a week after Brooke Day, 22, died after being trapped in a ski lift at a resort in Japan
Ms Day, an experienced snowboarder, was critically injured on Friday morning after her avalanche rescue backpack became caught on a chairlift mechanism as she attempted to disembark.
Local media reported she was dragged and suspended mid-air before suffering cardiac arrest.
An emergency stop button was activated and first aid was administered before Ms Day was taken by ambulance to hospital, where she died early on Sunday.
Resort chief executive Tsuneo Kubo said an unfastened buckle on Ms Day’s backpack had become hooked on the lift and because the bag was strapped across her chest, she was unable to remove it.
Ms Day had recently completed avalanche safety training and had previously assisted in multiple rescues, her family said.
Japan’s chief government spokesperson warned that although the weather was getting warmer, the snow would start melting, resulting in landslides and slippery surfaces.
“Please do pay close attention to your safety, wearing a helmet or using a lifeline rope, especially when working on clearing snow,” chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said.
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