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Michael Hurst, aged 27, was skiing with friends in Niseko’s backcountry on Japan’s Hokkaido island when he tragically passed away, possibly due to a heart attack on Tuesday.
Hailing from Melbourne’s Bayside area, Hurst’s memory is cherished by St Bede’s College in Mentone, where he attended school. The institution paid tribute by lowering its flags to half-mast in his honor.
“Michael made significant contributions to our community, serving as college captain in 2016,” stated principal Deb Frizza.
“As a community of faith, we come together in prayer, entrusting Michael to God’s loving mercy and seeking solace, strength, and peace for his family during this deeply sorrowful time.”
“We also keep in our thoughts the colleagues and community members who knew, taught, and were close to Michael,” she added.
Police joined the search and found him being given CPR by a group of four.
Emergency services rushed the man, who had no visible injuries, to hospital where he later died.
According to his LinkedIn profile, the town planner was taking a “career break” in Japan over the 2025-26 ski season, where he was working at a ski resort.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said authorities were providing consular assistance to the family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
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