The son of a two-time winter Olympian has sadly passed away. 23-year-old Kai Smart died after being hit by an avalanche. Kai is the son of Olympic freestyle skier John Smart.
Kai had also been skiing in Japan when the avalanche buried him. The resulting snowfall left him in a coma, which he tragically never woke up from.
"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 wrote on Facebook. "We are beyond heartbroken and there are no words to describe the pain we are feeling losing him so young."
Unfortunately for the young man, "the severe lack of oxygen he endured during the avalanche had destroyed any chance of recovery."
Son of Olympian Killed in Avalanche
In addition to being a skier, Kai was also an aspiring filmmaker as well. The Olympian honored his legacy online.
"Kai was a warrior, a mountain man, an explorer of the world, a lover of people of all walks of life, an inspiration to so many, an honor student, a passionate skier, surfer, dirt biker, climber, kitesurfer and so much more," he wrote. "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 continued, "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."
Kai loved to ski and loved the outdoors.
"Kai was a skier with heartfelt passion, true grit, and a unique soul which vibrated anytime he stepped into the mountain's playground," Freestyle Canada said in an Instagram post. "Kai's love for skiing, adventure, and for life itself will leave a lasting mark on our community, and he will be deeply missed."