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The snowsports community has suffered a tragic loss. Whistler skier Kai Smart, 23, has passed away after being buried in an avalanche in Japan earlier this month.
Kai’s father John Smart made the announcement on Instagram Tuesday. “It is with immense sadness that we have to let you know that our kind, brave and beautiful son and brother Kai is no longer with us,” he wrote. “We are beyond heartbroken and there are no words to describe the pain we are feeling losing him so young.”
As John went on to explain, they were able to fly Kai from Japan to Vancouver General Hospital in an air ambulance Thursday. However, they soon learned that severe lack of oxygen during the avalanche “had destroyed any chance of recovery.” Kai’s family said their final farewells to him last night.
“Kai was a warrior, a mountain man, an explorer of the world, a lover of people of all walks of life, an inspiration to so many, an honour student, a passionate skier, surfer, dirt biker, climber, kitesurfer and so much more,” continued John. “He lived life to the fullest every single day, with joy, curiosity, and intensity, and experienced more in his short time than most do in a lifetime. He truly was a bright light, and his energy — his excitement for life and for learning — touched everyone who knew him.
“He was always searching for the road less travelled, drawn to new places, new ideas, and new experiences. When he wasn’t outside pushing his limits, he was constantly learning, researching, and engaging with the world.”
Kai had recently finished his first ski film, Tien Shan Dream. The project followed a two-week ski traverse in the Tien Shan mountains, along the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, connecting two remote scientific research stations. The project remains a testament to the spirit of adventure and empathy that made him a beloved figure in the skiing community.
