Former US freestyle skier and halfpipe gold medallist Kyle Smaine dies aged 31 in Japan after avalanche

Former US freestyle skier Kyle Smaine has died in an avalanche in Japan at the age of 31.

Smaine, who won a halfpipe gold medal at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in 2015, was one of two men found dead.

There were reportedly 13 people hit by the avalanche.

The US Freeski Team said in a statement on Instagram: “Today we lost an incredible person, friend, skier and team-mate to the mountains.

“Kyle Smaine was a World Champion freeskier, loved exploring the mountains, was a fierce competitor but an even better person and friend.

“We, along with so many others, send our love and comfort to his family, friends and community.”

Smaine’s wife Jenna Dramise also paid tribute.

“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,” she wrote on Instagram.

“You loved skiing more then anyone I’ve ever met. 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 can’t wait to see you again.”

Smaine was reportedly on a marketing trip in Japan to promote winter tourism.

On Sunday he posted a video of himself skiing on Instagram and said that he travelled to Japan to experience the “unbelievable snow quality, non-stop storms, and really fun terrain that seems to get better then more exploring you do.”

According to Reuters, an avalanche warning had been issued in the area following heavy snowfall.

Police official Tomohiro Kushibiki told AFP that the two men who died were found “in cardio-respiratory arrest” on Monday.