The family of the young woman who has died in a tragic ski lift accident at a popular snow resort in Japan have released a statement, explaining her death was caused by the backpack she was wearing to protect herself and friends.

Sunshine Coast woman Brooke Day, 22, became caught when a buckle on a backpack she was carrying lodged in the lift carriage at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano Prefecture west of Tokyo on Friday.

The resort’s operator Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co said Day, who had been working in Japan, was involved in the accident when “a buckle at the end of an unfastened waist belt attached to a backpack … became caught in the lift carriage.”

Because her chest strap was fastened, “the backpack remained attached to the body,” the company said.

“After disembarking the lift, the customer was dragged along with the backpack.

“Subsequently, staff pressed the stop button to halt the lift. Prompt rescue efforts were carried out, and the customer was transported by ambulance.”

Day was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after.

Day’s family released a statement on Tuesday, saying she was an “advanced snowboarder, who had loved the sport since she was 11.”

“She was on her fourth extended snow season in Japan,” the family said.

“She was well-respected by her peers and was known amongst the group as the ‘safe one’.

“Brooke recently completed a 3-Day Avalanche course.

“In the past few weeks she used that knowledge to help rescue four people from life-threatening situations.

“To keep herself and friends safe, Brooke was wearing the Avalanche Rescue backpack on Friday.

“Tragically, it was the Avalanche Rescue backpack that got caught on the ski lift.”

An Avalanche Rescue backpack contains a built-in airbag that inflates to help keep the wearer on the surface of an avalanche and often includes a beacon to make them easier to locate.

Her parents flew in from Queensland to be with her.

“We were at Brooke’s side when she passed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning (Australian time).”

“We would like to thank her friends who rendered assistance in her time of need, and stayed with her until we arrived in Japan, as well as the staff at the Omachi General Hospital who did everything in their power to save her,” the family said.

“Thank you also to the Sunshine Coast sporting and wider community for your support and prayers.”

The statement was signed: “From Deanne and Warren Day, Brooke’s parents, and sister Emma, and brother Kain, on behalf of the extended Day family.

While the circumstances of the tragic accident are being investigated, friends and teammates have focused on celebrating Day’s life.

Her sporting clubs in Nambour and Maroochydore have shared messages of love and remembrance, paying tribute to her talent, positivity and warmth.

Maroochydore Roos AFL described Day as a “talented young football player and cherished teammate” who “always had a smile on her face” and “never brought her disappointments to the side.”

“She was a teammate who made everything better just by being there,” a teammate wrote online.

“So humble and hardworking … It was a privilege to have played alongside her.”

Other friends recalled her cheeky smile, determination, and the joy she brought to the team, even while recovering from injuries.

“Rest easy beautiful girl,” the Roos club wrote.

“You little legend, friend and teammate. Fly high — your infectious smile and zest for life will live on in our memories forever.”

Similarly, the Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club, where Brooke had been a key member of the Senior Women’s squad, expressed heartbreak at her passing.

The club said her smile, kindness, and fun-loving spirit “lit up our club” and her impact on teammates and the wider community would “never be forgotten.”

Supportive messages poured in from across the rugby and broader sporting community.

“A life taken too soon! She will be greatly missed by everyone who was privileged enough to know her,” a comment read.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed on Monday it is providing consular assistance to Brooke’s family, sending its “deepest condolences at this difficult time.”

Tsugaike Mountain Resort also issued a statement on Saturday expressing sorrow and pledging to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and sincerely pray for the peace of the departed,” Tsugaike Mountain Resort president and representative director Tsuneo Kubo said.

“Our company will respond with sincerity and dedication to the bereaved family and the deceased guest.

“We will continue to fully co-operate with the police and relevant authorities in their investigation.”