Former US world champion freestyle skier Kyle Smine has died in an avalanche, his family has confirmed.
Smine, 31, was one of two skiers killed on the east slope of Japan’s Hakuba Norikura mountain on Sunday.
His father, William Smyne, confirmed to NBC News His son died in the incident on Monday.
“Today we lost an incredible person, friend, skier and teammate to the mountains.” The US Freeski Team said.
“Smaine loved to explore the mountains, a fierce competitor but still a great man and friend.”
The 2015 World Championships halfpipe gold medalist was in Japan on a marketing trip to Icon Pass and Nagano Tourism.
Japanese authorities confirmed five people The three skiers from the US and Austria were caught in an avalanche but managed to make it down the mountain safely.
Smaine’s wife, Jenna Dramis, wrote in the post Instagram: “Dear husband and my whole world, officially married on November 18, 2022, which many people didn’t know. I am incredibly grateful to marry you and have you in my life.
“You loved skiing more than anyone I’ve ever met. I know you had the best runs of your life in Japan and can never blame you for liking it. I can’t wait to see you again.”
The identity of the dead Austrian skier is unknown.
Fellow American skier Adam Yu was one of five people involved and was buried 1.5m deep for about 25 minutes before being rescued.
Speaking Mountain GazetteYu said: “We saw it coming, we heard a crack and realized it was big. We started running and then we got hit.”
Weather officials had issued an avalanche warning for the region after heavy snowfall and record cold temperatures.
