Kyle Smaine dead at 31: World champion skier dies in avalanche as tributes pour in
A WORLD champion skier has tragically died in an avalanche aged 31.
Kyle Smaine’s family confirmed the American star was in Japan when the snow collapsed.
GettyKyle Smaine has passed away after getting caught in an avalanche in Japan[/caption]
GettySmaine was on the 2,469m Hakuba Norikura mountain[/caption]
Smaine – who won halfpipe gold at the 2015 world championships in Kreischberg – had travelled to the Far East for the “unbelievable snow quality” and to promote the country’s tourism following the pandemic.
But he sadly lost his life alongside an unnamed Austrian skier on the slopes of the 2,469m Hakuba Norikura mountain near the Tsugaike ski resort.
Smaine’s fellow American skier Adam Ü was also trapped in the avalanche on Sunday afternoon.
However, he was pulled out in the rescue effort.
Ü said: “We saw it coming.
“We heard the crack. We realised it [was] a big one.
“We started running and then we got hit.”
Grant Gunderson was a photographer for Smaine, Ü and their friends.
Gunderson had descended the mountain shortly before the disaster, which he said was triggered by an Austrian skier from another group.
He said: “Yesterday was my absolute worst-nightmare scenario.
“Adam, Kyle and the other skier tried to run.
“Adam was buried 1.5 metres deep for 25 minutes and is unscathed. That is a miracle.
“The skier buried next to him died from internal injuries. Kyle was thrown 50 metres by the air blast and buried and killed.
“Another group in the area consisting of two Canadian mountain guides and four or five emergency doctors/nurses… performed the rescue.
“The doctors did everything they could for Kyle and the other skier. Adam and I will be rehashing this for the rest of our lives.”
‘BRIGHT LIGHT LOST’
Japanese police added that three people were able to climb down the mountain safely despite the sudden rush of snow.
There was an avalanche warning following heavy snowfall over the last few days.
Tributes poured in for Smaine on his Instagram page.
The skier posted just hours before he lost his life in the accident with a video of the jubilant Californian enjoying the off-piste snow.
Smaine wrote: “This is what brings me back to Japan each winter.
“Unbelievable snow quality, non-stop storms, and really fun terrain that seems to get better the more exploring you do.”
One friend commented: “Wish we had more time to ski these past few years. Thanks for always being such a positive energy Kyle. Heavy hearts tonight.”
Another wrote: “Miss you man. Still remember that mami run like it was yesterday. RIP.”
A third said: “Such a bright light lost. Sending so much love to Jenna and the Tahoe family ”
One mate heartbreakingly replied: “Being your friend was a true gift. I love you.”
And a final user simply added: “Love you buddy.”
GettySmaine won gold in the Ski Halfpipe Finals at the 2015 World Championships[/caption]
GettyTributes poured in for the American on his Instagram page[/caption]
