An avalanche in Hokkaido Japan has taken the lives of two New Zealanders, one of whom has been identified as 21-year-old Isabella Bolton.
Bolton was born in England but then moved with her family to New Zealand and was raised in Diamond Harbour and Heathcote Valley. She had pursued her passion for skiing by working as a ski guide in Niseko since November, following stints at ski fields in Canada, Tekapo, and Wanaka.
In a report from State-funded news outlet RNZ, her family described her as someone who was full of vitality, had a passionate approach to life and adventurous spirit.
The avalanche occurred while Bolton and another New Zealander, a man in his 30s, were part of a six-person group backcountry skiing on the northern slope of a 1900-metre-high mountain in the popular Japanese skiing destination of Hokkaido. The disaster struck around 10 a.m. on 11 March local time, hitting three members of the group and leading to the hospitalisation and subsequent death of Bolton and the unnamed male.
A third New Zealander was also injured in the event. The New Zealand Embassy has been in contact with the injured individual offering consular support to them and the families of the deceased, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have confirmed the fatalities.
Image credit: Kwon Youn
Kiwis are NOT bulletproof!
The constant rugby mentality of ‘go-go-go-push people out of the way, etc. will get you killed in other countries.
People who continually ‘push the envelope’ of ‘thrills and risks’ do not seem to think ahead of the consequences. The ratepayers end up with the bill via ACC, provided you are not blacklisted by ACC in their second file…only the well-known and popular people who play the national games get medical help…!
A massive snow dump on a ski field?- DON’T GO SNOW SKIING! An avalance risk…
A cyclone approaching with above normal swells and waves?- DON’T GO IN THE WATER! Rip currents and more…
Had a couple of beers or drinks, knowing that you can make it home?- DON’T DRIVE! See the stats…
Feeling strange since your Covid vaccines and boosters?- DON’T TAKE ANY MORE JABS! A known genetically-altering bio-weapon…