Michael Hurst, aged 27, tragically passed away due to a suspected heart attack while skiing with friends in the backcountry of Niseko, on Japan’s Hokkaido island, this past Tuesday.

Hurst, a native of Melbourne’s Bayside area, was fondly remembered by his alma mater, St Bede’s College in Mentone, where the school honored him by flying flags at half-mast today.

“Michael distinguished himself as our 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 comfort, strength, and peace for his family during this time of deep sorrow,” she continued.

“We also extend our prayers to our colleagues and community members who knew, taught, and were close to Michael,” she added.

Authorities were involved in the search and discovered him receiving CPR from a group of four individuals.

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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