The son of ex-Olympic skier John Smart has passed away following wounds he suffered in an avalanche that took place in Japan.
Kai Smart, who was 23 years old, was put into a coma as a result of the avalanche. In a Facebook post, John Smart stated that his son was transported to Vancouver, Canada earlier in March for treatment prior to his death on March 22.
“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. We are beyond heartbroken and there are no words to describe the pain we are feeling losing him so young,” he wrote. (RELATED: Minnesota Wild Reporter Jessi Pierce, 3 Kids Killed In House Fire)
John said his son loved adventure and enjoyed life as much as he could.
“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 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. He truly was a bright light, and his energy — his excitement for life and for learning — touched everyone who knew him,” John continued in his post.
🕊️ Skier Kai Smart — son of Olympian John Smart — has passed away from injuries he suffered after being buried in an avalanche in Japan earlier this month.
He was 23. https://t.co/CY75hvfSeb pic.twitter.com/tIrzEuMm9M
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 25, 2026
“He was always searching for the road less traveled, 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.”
According to John, his son’s organs were given to four people as donations.
The ex-Olympian was in freestyle-skiing competition for Canada, taking part in the Winter Olympics in both 1992 and 1994.
In 2003, John was placed in the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame.
