The world of extreme sports has lost one of its most exciting young athletes. Kyle Smaine tragically passed away at the age of 31 while skiing in Japan.
While the world is still reeling from the shock, heartwarming tributes are beginning to pour in from Kyle's friends, along with his new bride and fellow snowboarder, Jenna Dramise.
It's been confirmed that world champion skier, Kyle Smaine, was tragically killed in an avalanche.
The 2015 FIS Freestyle Ski Champion was in Japan for a marketing trip for Ikon Pass and Nagano Tourism.
"It was supposed to be the last day of the trip so we where[sic] just out for a mellow tour to Freeski," Grant began.
According to Grant, he and Kyle had dug a pit earlier that day and skied into the backcountry.
Unfortunately, Kyle and a mutual friend, Adam Kingman, decided to go back up for one last run.
Everyone in the ski party felt safe — until an unknown skier from another party triggered a deadly avalanche.
Kyle, Adam, and the unknown skier tried to outrun the impending snowfall but were unable to move fast enough.
Sadly, Kyle wasn't so lucky. He was thrown 50 meters by the resulting air blast and buried under the snow.
By the time they were able to reach him, Kyle had already passed away — succumbing to his injuries and the snow.
Kyle's own wife, fellow snowboarder Jenna Dramise, posted a touching tribute of her own on social media.
Jenna talked about how grateful she was to have known Kyle and to have had him in her 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," Jenna wrote.
"I do wish I could tell you that one secret I always had, that I loved you," she lamented.
Finally, she spoke about how she hoped to ski with Kyle in her dreams.
