Two-time Olympic skier John Smart is grieving the loss of his 23-year-old son, Kai Smart, after he passed away from injuries sustained while buried alive in an avalanche.
Kai’s accident occurred earlier this month in Japan, according to an Instagram post shared by his dad from March 13. He was transported back home to Canada on March 19 by air ambulance, where he was treated in a coma at Vancouver General Hospital.
Beloved Skier & Aspiring Filmmaker Kai Smart Passes Away at 23
Kai was an aspiring filmmaker and a 2025 graduate of the University of British Columbia. He recently completed work on the film “Tien Shan Dream,” Pique Newsmagazine reported.
The film is available to stream on Apple TV+, Roku and Outside TV. In a description of its storyline, Outside TV wrote, “A team of international skiers embark[ing] on a two-week glacier traverse connecting two remote research stations in Kazakhstan.”
In an announcement of his passing, shared on Instagram by his family, Kai’s dad revealed that his son heroically saved the lives of four individuals by donating his organs.
“We are so glad to be able to tell you that Kai’s heart is still beating in someone else and he is keeping 4 other people alive with his organs,” Kai’s family shared. “This gives us great comfort.”
The beloved skier’s family went on to remember Kai as a courageous warrior who lived life to the fullest.
“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,” Kai’s family wrote.
Kai Smart Family Describes Him as ‘Mountain Man’ & ‘Lover of People’
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of love and support — we have appreciated every one of them,” the statement added. “We were able to fly him home from Japan in an air ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital on Thursday, where he underwent more testing. Tragically, the severe lack of oxygen he endured during the avalanche had destroyed any chance of recovery. We said our final farewells to him last night.”
“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 honour 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,” Kai’s family’s statement 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,” the family wrote. “When he wasn’t outside pushing his limits, he was constantly learning, researching, and engaging with the world.”
Kai’s family said there will be no funeral. They will, however, be organizing a celebration of life for him, where his closest family and friends can share “stories and photos so we can keep his spirit alive together.”
RIP Kai Smart.
