A family vacation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after an 8-year-old girl from Australia was killed in a skiing accident while visiting Japan.
Chloe Jeffries, from the Gold Coast, was traveling with her family near the popular Hakuba ski resort, located northwest of Tokyo, when the fatal incident occurred Saturday.
According to Japanese media reports, Chloe was riding in a snowmobile with her mother during a tour in the Hokujo area of Nagano Prefecture when the vehicle suddenly flipped over an embankment.
The young girl suffered severe head injuries in the crash and was airlifted to a hospital in Matsumoto City. Despite medical efforts to save her, she later died from her injuries.
The devastating news has left her community back home in shock.
South Coast Netball Association Palm Beach shared an emotional tribute to Chloe, remembering her as a joyful and bright presence who brought happiness to those around her.
“She was known for her beautiful nature, her cheeky, infectious smile, and the joy she brought simply by being herself,” the organization wrote.
“Chloe had a way of brightening the courts and the people around her.”
The tribute also highlighted Chloe’s close bond with her older sister.
“Above all, Chloe was her big sister’s biggest supporter, always cheering from the sidelines, full of pride, encouragement and love.”
To honor her memory, the netball club plans to hold a tribute ahead of the start of the new season this weekend.
Players, officials, and supporters are being encouraged to wear an armband or ribbon in Chloe’s favorite color — sparkly pink — as a symbol of remembrance and unity.
The club also invited members of the community to share memories and stories about Chloe as a way to celebrate her life and support one another during this difficult time.
Chloe’s death is the fourth fatal ski-related incident involving an Australian in Japan this year.
In early February, 27-year-old Melbourne skier Michael Hurst died after becoming separated from friends while skiing in the Hokkaido region.
Just days later, 22-year-old snowboarder Brooke Day from Queensland died in an accident at Tsugaike Mountain Resort near Hakuba after becoming tangled in her avalanche safety backpack while exiting a ski lift.
Earlier in January, 17-year-old Brisbane Grammar School graduate Rylan Pribadi died after colliding with a course boundary rope while skiing in northern Japan.
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