Second Australian skier dies in Japan
- - Second Australian skier dies in Japan
Abbir DibFebruary 4, 2026 at 3:07 PM
0
Michael Hurst, 27, disappeared in Japan’s Hokkaido region
A second Australian has died while skiing in Japan, days after a young woman was killed in a separate freak accident on the country’s slopes.
Michael “Micky” Hurst, a 27-year-old from Melbourne, disappeared in Japan’s Hokkaido region, between Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort, after becoming separated from his group at about 3pm local time on Monday (6am GMT).
His seven friends searched for him and later found another group of skiers administering CPR on Hurst after discovering him unconscious.
He was taken to hospital by emergency services, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said they were investigating the cause of his death, but reported there were no visible injuries.
Michael Hurst went missing between two ski resorts in Niseko, Japan’s northern region of Hokkaido - Shutterstock
Some reports suggest the man may have been buried by snow in an avalanche or suffered a medical episode.
Hurst, who had reportedly been living and working at a lodging facility in the area, was described in a tribute by a family friend as “the most humble” man.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to Hurst’s family.
A spokesman said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”
At least 35 deaths during snow spell
Hurst’s death comes during a 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, as some regions saw up to 6.5ft of snow.
Brooke Day, a 22-year-old also who was also from Australia, died on Sunday following a ski lift accident at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, in Japan’s central Nagano prefecture.
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.
Brooke Day, 22, died after becoming trapped in a ski lift at a resort in Japan
Local media reported she was dragged through the snow and suspended mid-air before suffering cardiac arrest.
An emergency stop button was activated and first aid was administered before Day was taken to hospital, where she died on Sunday morning.
Tsuneo Kubo, the resort’s chief executive, said an unfastened buckle on Ms Day’s backpack became hooked on the lift and because the bag was strapped across her chest, she was unable to remove it.
Day had recently completed avalanche safety training and had previously assisted in multiple rescues, according to her family.
Minoru Kihara, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said: “Please do pay close attention to your safety, wearing a helmet or using a lifeline rope, especially when working on clearing snow.”
Japan’s chief government spokesman also warned that although the weather was getting warmer, the snow would start melting, resulting in landslides and slippery surfaces.
Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
