An Australian schoolgirl has been killed in a horror skiing accident in Japan.
Chloe Jeffries, 8, from the Gold Coast, was holidaying with her family near the Hakuba ski resort town, north-west of Tokyo, on Saturday when tragedy struck.
She was riding in a snowmobile with her mother when the vehicle flipped over an embankment during a tour in the Hokujo area of Nagano Prefecture, Japanese media reported.
Chloe suffered critical head injuries and was airlifted to Matsumoto City, where she died in hospital.
South Coast Netball Association Palm Beach paid tribute to her bright spirit and happiness.
‘She was known for her beautiful nature, her cheeky, infectious smile, and the joy she brought simply by being herself,’ it posted.
‘Chloe had a way of brightening the courts and the people around her. Above all, Chloe was her big sister’s biggest supporter, always cheering from the sidelines, full of pride, encouragement and love.’
A club tribute will be held in Chloe’s honour ahead of the start of the season this weekend.
Gold Coast schoolgirl Chloe Jeffries died while holidaying in Japan
The tragedy unfolded near the Japanese ski resort town of Hakuba
‘We encourage players, officials and supporters to wear an armband or ribbon in Chloe’s favourite colour, sparkly pink, as a symbol of love, remembrance and unity,’ the association added.
‘We also encourage all members of our community to share their memories of Chloe. Whether it’s a story, a smile, or a moment that captures the joy she brought – sharing memories can be a powerful way to honour Chloe and support one another during this time.’
Chloe is the fourth Australian to be killed in a Japanese skiing accident this year.
Melbourne man Michael Hurst, 27, died after he became separated from friends while skiing in the Hokkaido region on February 2.
Days later, Queensland snowboarder Brooke Day, 22, died when she became entangled in her avalanche rescue backpack while disembarking a ski lift at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort, near Hakuba.
Brisbane Grammar School graduate Rylan Pribadi, 17, died in January when he collided with a course boundary rope while skiing in northern Japan.
