An eight-year-old Australian girl has died in a snowmobile accident while on a family holiday in Japan's Hakuba Valley. Chloe Jeffries, from the Gold Coast in Queensland, was riding a snowmobile on Saturday when it overturned, fatally injuring her.
The tour company, Hakuba Lion Adventure, said the accident occurred near an uphill curve along a forest road. The snowmobile rode onto an embankment and overturned, trapping the passenger beneath the vehicle. Despite first aid at the scene and helicopter transport to hospital, Chloe could not be revived.
The company has suspended all snowmobile and snowshoe tours pending a review of safety procedures. It expressed deep apologies and is cooperating with police investigations. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family.
Chloe was a member of the South Coast Netball Association, which paid tribute to her as a bright and joyful presence. She was also remembered as a devoted supporter of her older sister Hallee. Chloe's death is the fourth involving an Australian in Japan's snowfields this year.
