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The son of former Olympic ski star John Smart has died from his injuries in an avalanche in Japan.
Kai Smart, 23, was left in a coma due to the avalanche. John Smart said in a Facebook post that Kai was taken to Vancouver, Canada, for emergency treatment earlier this month, before he died on Monday.
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Canada’s John Smart races down the slope at the Freestyle Skiing World Championships in Altenmarkt, Austria, 1993. (Chris Cole/Allsport)
“It is with great sadness that we must let you know that our kind, brave, beautiful son and brother Kai is no longer with us. We are heartbroken and there are no words to describe the pain we feel at losing him so young,” John Smart wrote on Facebook.
He remembers his son as an adventurer who lived life to the fullest.
“Kai was a warrior, a mountain man, a world explorer, a lover of people from all walks of life, an inspiration to so many, an honor student, an avid skier, surfer, motorcyclist, climber, kiteboarder and so much more… He lived life to the fullest every day, with joy, curiosity and intensity, and experienced more in his short time than most others in his life. He was truly a shining light and his energy – his enthusiasm for life and for learning – touched everyone who knew him,” the message continues.
John Smart shows off after missing out on a medal in the men’s moguls event at the 1993 Freestyle Skiing World Championships. (Chris Cole/Allsport)
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“He was always looking for the path less traveled, drawn to new places, new ideas and new experiences. When he wasn’t outside, he was pushing his limits, constantly learning, researching and engaging with the world.”
Smart wrote that Kai’s organs were donated to four people.
The former Olympian competed for Team Canada in freestyle skiing. He competed in the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics.
A flag of the Olympic rings at the University of Southern California on March 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
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He was inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame in 2003.
