Kyle Smaine, Pro Skier, Passes Away at 31 Due to Avalanche

Kyle Smaine has sadly died.

The professional skier, who took home the gold at the 2015 Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships, died in a skiing accident due to an avalanche, his family confirmed on Monday (January 30).

The athlete was in Japan skiing alongside photographer Grant Gunderson, where he frequently traveled due to the snow quality at this time of year.

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“Yesterday was my absolute worst nightmare scenario. It was supposed to be the last day of the trip so we where just out for a mellow tour to Freeski. As we had one of the best days ever skiing / shooting the day before,” the photographer recounted on Instagram.

He went on to explain that while he went to go to rest, Kyle wanted to keep skiing. A skier from another group triggered an avalanche.

“Kyle was thrown 50 meters by the air blast and buried and killed. Another group in the area consisting of two Canadian mountain guides and 4 or 5 emergency doctors / nurses etc as clients performed the rescue. The doctors did everything they could for Kyle and the other skier,” he said of Kyle and another man yet to be identified, adding that he “will be rehashing this for the rest of our lives.”

A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said they’re “aware of the incident in Nagano Prefecture” and are working with local authorities, via TMZ.

Our thoughts are with Kyle Smaine‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.