The son of John Smart, a two-time Olympic freestyle skier, has tragically died following an avalanche while skiing in Japan.
On Monday, John shared that his 23-year-old son, Kai Smart, had succumbed after fighting for his life in the hospital, where he had fallen into a coma due to the injuries he suffered in the accident.
“It is with great sadness that we must let you know our sweet, brave, and beautiful son and brother Kai is no longer with us,” John posted on Facebook. He had previously competed for Canada in the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics.
“We are beyond heartbroken; words can’t quite capture the sadness of losing him so young,” he expressed.
Kai hailed from Whistler, Canada, and was airlifted to Vancouver last Thursday. However, the severe oxygen deprivation he experienced during the avalanche meant there was little hope for recovery.
In honoring his son, John noted that Kai, a film director who created the ski film *Tian Xiang Dream*, was not just passionate about skiing but was also an avid explorer and an inspiration to many. “He was a warrior, a mountain man, and a lover of life, surfing, dirt biking, and so much more,” John wrote.
John reflected on how Kai fully embraced each day with joy and enthusiasm. “He experienced so much in his brief time that most people won’t in a lifetime,” he added.
Additionally, John mentioned that Kai’s organs are being donated to help save four other lives. “This gives us great peace of mind,” he shared.
Just a month prior to the tragedy, Kai was promoting a documentary called *Tianshan Dream*, which featured a 14-day trek through Kazakhstan’s Tianshan Mountains. He was reportedly very pleased with the project.
Kai graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia last May and frequently shared moments from his skiing adventures and travels on social media. Freestyle Canada honored him, stating, “Kai was a skier with genuine passion and a unique soul that lit up every moment on the slopes.” They emphasized that his love for skiing and adventure would leave an enduring impact on the community.
Gus Kenworthy, an Olympic skier, expressed his condolences, saying, “I have no words. Sending love to you and your family.”
