United States skier Kyle Smaine has tragically been killed by an avalanche in Japan at the age of 31.
His wife, Jenna Dramise confirmed the news in a post on Instagram.
She wrote: “Dear Husband and my whole world, officially married November 18, 2022, which not many people knew about.
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“I’m so incredibly thankful that I got to marry you and have you in my life.”
Wide World of Sports reports that Smaine was one of two to be found dead in Nagano, Japan after being caught by the avalanche.
Authorities say they were two of 13 people to be hit by the snowslide. Police have not officially released the names of those killed.
Dramise’s post continued: “You loved skiing more than anyone I've ever met. I picked you up hitchhiking in New Zealand 2010 and who would have thought we would be married 13 years later.
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"The best damn years of my life. I know you had the best runs in your life out there in Japan and could never blame you for doing what you loved.
"I do wish I could tell you that one secret I always had, that I loved you. It never really was a secret because I said it at least 10 times a day to you. I can't wait to see you again.
“Tonight I hope to ride some pow or bikes with you in my dreams. Love your Wife."
Outdoor photographer Grant Gunderson, who works for the Mountain Gazette, had been on the same trip as Smaine.
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According to CNN, Gunderson described the avalanche as his ‘absolute worst nightmare scenario’ on Instagram.
He explained that Smaine and fellow professional Adam Ü had chosen to ski one last run while others went back to base camp.
Adam had survived the tragedy after being buried 1.5 metres deep for 25 minutes.
The skier took to Instagram to post memories with Smaine as well as videos of their final moments together.
He wrote: “The pain of losing Kyle Smaine moments after completing our post-last/best-run-of-the trip smile/dance/giggle/high five routine is going to stick with me forever.
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“Luckily, his infectious enthusiasm and stoke and laughter and overall 1000000% positive energy is also going to stick with me forever.”
He added: “I don't know if I've ever met anyone that loved skiing so much.
“Thanks for sharing your last days and last run with me Kyle.”
Smaine was a former world champion having won a gold medal in the halfpipe at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in 2015.
Jayden Collins