United States pro skier Kyle Smaine has reportedly passed away in a devastating ski accident in Japan, multiple sources confirmed.
The 31-year-old former halfpipe world champion skier was one of two men found dead following a large avalanche in Nagano, Japan. Police have since stated that 13 people had been hit by the avalanche, though the identities of those deceased have not been formally released, per CNN.
"Dear Husband and my whole world, officially married November 18, 2022, which not many people knew about. I'm so incredibly thankful that I got to marry you and have you in my life. You loved skiing more then anyone I've ever met. I picked you up hitchhiking in New Zealand 2010 and who would have thought we would be married 13 years later [sic]," Smaine's wife Jenna Dramise captioned an image of him on Instagram.
She continued: "The best damn years of my life. I know you had the best runs in your life out there in Japan and could never blame you for doing what you loved. I do wish I could tell you that one secret I always had, that I loved you. It never really was a secret because I said it at least 10 times a day to you. I can't wait to see you again. Tonight I hope to ride some pow or bikes with you in my dreams. Love your Wife."
According to the Mountain Gazette, Smaine had been skiing in Japan on a marketing trip for Ikon Pass and Nagano Tourism. Several people, including Smaine, were then caught in an avalanche on Mount Hakuba Norikura.
A fellow pro skier, Adam Ü, was also on the trip. He told the Gazette that he had been with Smaine at the bottom of the mountain when they heard a massive crack. "We heard the crack. We realized it is a big one. We started running and then we got hit," Ü stated.
He then revealed that he had been trapped five feet under the snow for almost half an hour before help arrived. Unfortunately, Smaine was found unresponsive soon after.
ABC News detailed how, as a professional skier, Smaine had competed in the X Games, and won a gold medal in halfpipe at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships 2015.
The last footage Smaine uploaded to Instagram before his death was a hand-held clip of himself skiing down the mountain and through the trees in soft, powdery snow - accompanied by Lizzo's track 'Good As Hell'.
"This is what brings me back to Japan each winter. Unbelievable snow quality, non-stop storms, and really fun terrain that seems to get better then more exploring you do [sic]," he added in the caption.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, colleagues, and fans of Kyle Smaine at this difficult time.
