Former freestyle skier Kyle Smaine died in an avalanche in Japan on Sunday. The former world champion was skiing near Nagano when he was caught by the avalanche along with several other foreigners.
The bodies of Smaine (31) and another skier were found lifeless under the snow on Monday, a third skier was unharmed. Authorities had previously issued an avalanche warning in the region. “Due to the air displacement, Kyle was flung 50 meters through the air and buried under the snow.”
On Smaine’s Instagram page, many well-known freestyle skiers reacted to the death. “I wish we had more time to ski these last few years. Thank you for always having such a positive energy,” wrote former Olympic champion Joss Christensen.
The highlight of the American’s career was the gold medal he won in the halfpipe event at the 2015 World Freestyle Ski Championships.
His wife Jenna Dramise says on Instagram that she shared the best years of her life with Smaine. “You did what you loved to do, so I can’t blame you. I can not wait to see you again.”
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