- Nirmal Purja died in an avalanche in Pakistan, prompting widespread mourning in Nepal.
- Balendra Shah, Nepal's Prime Minister, stated that Purja's "history of courage, dedication and contribution will always remain inspiring".
- Students and staff at Small Heaven School in Chitwan lit candles for Purja, with student Sarbagya Paudel noting that Purja "brought pride to Nepal".
- Social media tributes described Purja as a "legend" and expressed that Nepal had lost "many great climbers".
- Purja served in the British military for 16 years, including 10 years in the special forces, and was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his achievements in extreme high-altitude mountaineering.
- School staff remembered a "fearless and committed" young Purja, while a school friend prayed through "sleepless nights" after he disappeared.
- In 2024, a New York Times article detailed sexual allegations against Purja, which he denied through his lawyer.
Nirmal Purja, a celebrated mountaineer known for his record of climbing the world's 14 tallest peaks in just over six months, tragically died in an avalanche on Broad Peak, Pakistan, along with nine others, including six Nepali climbers.1
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah honored Purja, stating his "history of courage, dedication and contribution will always remain inspiring." At the Small Heaven School in Chitwan, where Purja studied, students lit candles in his memory, with one student, Sarbagya Paudel, noting that Purja's "bravery has set a great example for our school."234
Purja's brother, Kamal, expressed profound grief on social media, saying, "I feel as though I have lost my whole world. My brother was not only my younger brother - he was my heart." He added, "Although our hearts are broken, we are incredibly proud of you. Your legacy will live forever."
The expedition was caught in an avalanche last Thursday on the 8,047m (26,400ft) peak, with Purja among six Nepali climbers. Other team members included notable climbers like Pur Bahadur Gurung, who summited Everest 10 times, and Kili Pemba Sherpa, who was part of a historic winter ascent of K2 in 2021.
Purja, who served in the British military for 16 years, was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his achievements in extreme high-altitude mountaineering. His passing has left a significant void in the climbing community, with many expressing that Nepal has lost a "legend".56
“Prime Minister Balendra Shah called Purja's 'history of courage, dedication and contribution' inspiring, while the climber's brother Kamal said he had lost 'my whole world.' Students at Purja's former school, Small Heaven School in Chitwan, lit candles as Sarbagya Paudel said his bravery 'brought pride to Nepal.'”
BBC
