British-born skier, 21, is killed after being buried in an avalanche on inactive Japanese volcano as devastated family pay tribute to 'adventurous spirit'

  • Isabella Bolton, 21, born in Watford, UK, died when the Japan ski slope collapsed
  • Her parents have paid tribute, saying she was 'full of life' and adventurous 

By Jamie Shapiro

Published: | Updated:

The heartbroken parents of a young British-born woman who died in an avalanche in Japan have paid tributes to their daughter's 'adventurous spirit'.

Isabella Bolton, 21, grew up just outside Christchurch in New Zealand but was born in Watford.

She died when she was buried underneath the snow after a slope collapsed on Mount Yotei, an inactive volcano, located near Hokkaido in northern Japan, on Monday. 

In a statement her parents paid tribute to their daughter, saying she was 'full of life' and had an 'adventurous spirit' with a love for skiing.

'It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of our beloved Isabella Bolton, 21, in an avalanche accident in Hokkaido, Japan,' they told the New Zealand Herald.

'Isabella was full of vitality and passion for life. Her adventurous spirit and love for skiing and the outdoors led her to study for a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Guiding in Banff, Canada.'

Isabella Bolton (pictured) was killed after she was buried underneath the snow of the mountain, while she skiing at the scenic destination

Isabella Bolton (pictured) was killed after she was buried underneath the snow of the mountain, while she skiing at the scenic destination

A young woman was among two tourists who died in an avalanche on Mount Yotei (pictured) in Japan on Monday

A young woman was among two tourists who died in an avalanche on Mount Yotei (pictured) in Japan on Monday 

'Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of her fellow colleague and friend whose life was also tragically lost,' they added.

Local firefighters rushed to the scene around 11am after the alarm was raised that three members of a group of six visitors to the mountain were trapped under snow. 

Ms Bolton and the un-named male tourist in his 30s were found unresponsive at the scene. 

They are believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest when they were trapped under snow, according to snow sports website Snow Brains. 

The pair were airlifted to hospital from the part of the inactive volcano where they had been stranded, but they could not be saved. 

The third New Zealander who was among the group of backcountry skiers, suffered a shoulder injury and is being treated in hospital. 

Ms Bolton is understood to have travelled to Japan several months ago and was working in the country, according to a post uploaded to Facebook by her mum Jane Broughton.

A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson, told Daily Mail Australia they have been made aware of the incident. 

'The New Zealand Embassy has offered consular support to the families of those involved,' the spokesperson said. 

'A third New Zealander in the group was also injured. The Embassy has spoken with them and has offered consular support'. 

Social media users expressed their condolences following the death of Ms Bolton. 

'Heartbreaking. So very sad,' one user wrote. 

'What a beautiful vibrant young girl, I'm so sorry her family are going through this,' another user said.   

Emergency services (pictured) rushed to the scene before the pair were airlifted to hospital

Emergency services (pictured) rushed to the scene before the pair were airlifted to hospital

Meteorologists had not issued an avalanche warning at the time of the incident and  it was not snowing heavily on the mountain, according to the Japan Times. 

An estimated snowfall of five to ten centimeters had occurred during a 48-hour period up until the accident. 

The avalanche is understood to have taken place at a height between 650-700metres. from the foot of the mountain. 

Japanese authorities including the police and fire department are still investigating the incident. 

Mount Yotei which is located at the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is one the most famous mountains in Hokkaido. 

The mountain which stands at a height of 1898m is a popular tourist destination and visitors frequent the site, to take part in a range of skiing and outdoor activities. 

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