A 27-year-old Australian skier has died in Japan after a heart attack. This is the third Australian victim this ski season.

Michael 'Micky' Hurst, a 27-year-old Australian man from Melbourne, died following a medical episode while skiing in the Hokkaido region of Japan. Hurst was part of a group of seven skiers but fell behind and was found unconscious by other skiers, who attempted unsuccessfully to perform resuscitation maneuvers. Although it was initially speculated that an avalanche may have been the cause of the tragedy, it is now believed that Hurst suffered a heart attack. This is the third death of an Australian in Japan this ski season, following fatal accidents in which a female snowboarder and a teenage skier lost their lives. Japan is facing a winter with heavy snowfall, which has attracted an increased number of tourists but has also raised the number of accidents. Over 30 people have died due to severe weather conditions, and authorities warn that the toll could rise. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs is providing support to his family for the repatriation of his body.