Canadian freestyle moguls team member Brayden Kuroda died suddenly and the entire community is in disbelief. Brayden was only 19. Brayden made his World Cup debut on his birthday three weeks ago in Tremblant. He had dreams of becoming a surgeon after pursuing his Olympic ambitions. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Freestyle Canada and its entire sport community were devastated with the news that National NextGen Mogul Team athlete Brayden Kuroda had passed away suddenly.
“Our hearts are crushed with the immeasurable loss of this effervescent, bright, talented young man.” conveyed Peter Judge, Freestyle Canada’s Chief Executive Officer. “The hearts, thoughts and prayers of our entire community go out to Brayden’s team mates, friends and family – most particularly Ken and Berva Kuroda his ever proud mother and father.”
Brayden was a very special young man. His infectious smile and passion for the sport of Freestyle skiing inspired his community. He always found the time to give back, underscoring how important it was to him personally to be a good role model on and off the hill and to encourage young athletes to reach their dreams.
Brayden started his love affair with the air early on at Apex Mountain.
Early memories of him sending it off jumps that seemed far too big for a boy that young are long remembered by those who watched him.
He continued to “send it” moving from Apex Club athlete (coached by his dad, Kenny Kuroda – a Freestyle Champion) to the BC provincial Team until he ultimately reached his goal this season of competing for Canada on the National Mogul Team. His work ethic, passion and natural talent were all contributing to propel him quickly through the Freestyle pathway.
Brayden was the third highest Canadian on home soil at the World Cup in Calgary recently as his parents watched proudly from the bottom of the course.
Brayden had the heart of an entrepreneur, always thinking of ways to help fund his passion – skiing. From a Kendama business with his B.C. teammate Sam to various other ventures, Brayden demonstrated that he was not only a committed athlete but a smart young man who worked hard outside of the sport to support his dream of becoming a world class mogul athlete.
