'Our hearts are crushed': Skiing champion dies suddenly at 19
Teenage Canadian freestyle moguls team member Brayden Kuroda has died suddenly, Freestyle Canada said on Tuesday.
Kuroda, 19, who made his world cup debut this year, passed away suddenly on Monday, Freestyle Canada said in a news release. The cause of death was not disclosed.
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"Our hearts are crushed with the immeasurable loss of this effervescent, bright, talented young man," Freestyle Canada Chief Executive Officer Peter Judge said in a news release.
Described as a special young man with an infectious smile, Freestyle Canada said Kuroda's passion and natural talent were all contributing to propel him quickly through the freestyle pathway.
The freestyle skier, who had dreams of becoming a surgeon after pursuing his Olympic ambition, made his world cup debut on his birthday three weeks ago when he finished 34th in Tremblant.
A week later Kuroda was the third highest Canadian on home soil at the world cup event in Calgary where he finished 25th.
He also claimed two gold medals at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Tributes pour in for Kuroda
The sporting world has been left shattered by the tragic news.
Gut-wrenching news in the skiing community. 19-year-old National NextGen Mogul athlete Brayden Kuroda died suddenly last night. Freestyle Canada is working with the various Canadian Sport Institutes to provide support services to its athletes and staff in this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/t1WuU47Knn
— Cami Kepke (@CamiKepkeGlobal) February 18, 2020
Devastating news. #Penticton freestyle mogul skier Brayden Kuroda, 19, passed away suddenly last night, according to Freestyle Canada. A cause of death has not been provided. (Photo Freestyle Canada\Facebook) pic.twitter.com/8Qhvx9r5C8
— Shelby Thom (@Shelby_Thom) February 19, 2020
Full statement from Freestyle Canada on death of national mogul team athlete Brayden Kuroda, who died suddenly Monday night at the age of 19.
“Our hearts are crushed with the immeasurable loss of this effervescent, bright, talented young man." #Penticton pic.twitter.com/FGRJIW1GaT— Shelby Thom (@Shelby_Thom) February 19, 2020