Brooke Day is being remembered for her ‘infectious smile and zest for life’ as the community mourns her loss after a tragic ski accident in Japan.
Close friends of the Day family have created a GoFundMe to support them as they navigate their grief.
On the GoFundMe page, the family reflected on Brooke’s final moments, writing that on February 1, 2026 at 12.15am, they said their last goodbyes as her “big heart played its final beat.”
“To know you are gone, leaves us all lost for words, but to know you were surrounded with people who truly cared and loved you brings some solace and peace. Thank you for being strong and holding on as we raced to get by your side in Japan.
“We are forever grateful for your 22 years as our daughter and little sister. To the countless people sending messages and videos, we read and played every single one to Brooke as she was lying peacefully. It’s astonishing how many people have been affected by this tragedy and how many friends a 22-year-old can have.
“Brookie you’ll live on forever in our hearts and minds. Rest in powder and shred it up in the mountains in the sky. We love you endlessly.”
Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club paid tribute to the 22-year-old in a statement shared online, describing the impact she had on the club and its women’s program.
“Earlier today we shared positive news for our women’s program, now we share news that is incredibly difficult for our club, community and most of all, our female players,” the club said.
The club described Ms Day as a central and much-loved figure in the senior women’s squad.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Brooke Day, an iconic member of our Senior Women’s squad over the past two seasons. Taken far too soon, she was not only a talented young rugby player but a cherished teammate, friend, and daughter.”
They highlighted her growth and determination as a player, as well as the energy she brought to the club off the field.
“On the field, Brooke played with courage, determination, and she continued to grow and improve with every game that she played. Off the field, her smile, kindness, and fun-loving spirit lit up our club and she was never one to shy away from our off-field festivities.”
The statement said Ms Day’s contribution to the team and wider rugby community would not be forgotten.
“Brooke contributed so much to our team and our Nambour Rugby community in such a short time, and her impact will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her during this incredibly difficult time.”
The club said it was struggling to put into words the depth of its loss.
“There are no words that truly capture the loss our club is feeling. Rest easy beautiful Brooke. Your infectious smile, zest for life and contagious giggle will live on in our memories forever.”
The statement concluded by saying the club would share details at a later time about how it planned to honour Ms Day.
“More details on how we will honour Brooke as a club will be released at an appropriate time. In the meantime, remember Brooke with fondness, wrap your arms around your friends, our women and Brooke’s family.”
Maroochydore Roos AFL also shared a statement expressing their heartbreak at the loss of Ms Day.
“It is with much heartbreak and sadness that we send out this tribute at the loss of one of the Roos family,” the club said.
The club said Ms Day had been a valued member of the Roos throughout her junior and senior football years, only recently stepping back due to injury. They described her as a talented player and a cherished teammate who brought positivity and energy to the group.
“She was always a positive and vibrant part of the group, always had a smile on her face and despite various set backs she never brought her disappointments to the side,” the Maroochydore Roos AFL said.
“She was and will always be a much-loved and valued member of the Roos family and be missed beyond measure.”
The club extended its condolences to Ms Day’s family, saying words could not ease the pain of their loss.
“Our deepest condolences to Warren, Dee, Kain and Emma as well as your broader family. Words could not deliver any comfort to offset the deepness of your pain,” the statement said.
“The entire Roos community is here for you and will forever hold Brooke close to our hearts.
“RIP Brooke Day. You little legend, friend and teammate. Roo always! Fly high beautiful girl.”
Ms Day, 22, died after her backpack became caught on a lift chair at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari near Nagano on Friday.
The Tsugaike Mountain Resort and Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co jointly apologised for the accident and said an investigation would be launched into the fatal incident.
Without naming Ms Day, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed on Monday that consular assistance was being provided to the deceased woman’s family.
