Freeskier Kai Smart, son of Olympic skier John Smart, has died after being trapped in an avalanche. He was 23.
“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,” John, 61, announced via Instagram on Monday, March 23, confirming the news. “We are beyond heartbroken and there are no words to describe the pain we are feeling losing him so young.”
Kai, an aspiring filmmaker, was buried in an avalanche earlier this month in Japan.
“We were able to fly him home from Japan in an air ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital on Thursday, where he underwent more testing,” John, who competed in freestyle skiing at the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics, continued. “Tragically, the severe lack of oxygen he endured during the avalanche had destroyed any chance of recovery. We said our final farewells to him last night.”
In addition to his love of skiing and filmmaking, John said his son was an avid “surfer, dirt biker, climber, kitesurfer and so much more.”
“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,” John wrote. “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.”
John revealed that Kai’s organs were donated to help save four lives.
“We are so glad to be able to tell you that Kai’s heart is still beating in someone else,” he said.
The family will not have a funeral, instead opting for “a Kai-sized celebration of life” in Whistler, British Columbia.
“Kai truly lit up the world wherever he went and will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched—especially all of us who were so close to him,” John concluded.
Kai was also survived by his mother, Julia, and his brother, Luke.
John broke the news of the avalanche incident via social media on March 13, sharing a picture of Kai in his hospital bed.
“He is in a coma fighting for his life right now after being severely deprived of oxygen,” John wrote. “He is a fighter but needs all the help he can get.”
