- Nirmal Purja has been confirmed dead following an avalanche in Pakistan that hit 11 climbers.
- The avalanche occurred near 9am at 6,579 metres on Broad Peak, between camps two and three.
- Bear Grylls expressed that Purja's death was "heartbreaking for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man."
- The expedition included five Nepali climbers plus US, Pakistani, Omani and Chinese nationals, according to Karrar Haidri, vice-president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
- Among those missing were Chinese national Wang Zhong and Pakistani and Nepali high-altitude workers; among the victims were Nadhira Alharthy, the first Omani to climb Everest, and US climber Mallory Geis.
- Trackers showed a rapid loss of altitude, indicating the climbers were caught in the avalanche.
Nirmal Purja, a celebrated Nepali mountaineer and former UK Special Forces member, tragically died in an avalanche on Broad Peak, Pakistan, which also claimed the lives of 10 other climbers. The avalanche struck around noon on Thursday, while Purja was leading an expedition that included climbers from various countries, including Nepal, the US, and Oman.1
The GPS data indicated that the avalanche occurred at approximately 6,579 metres (21,585ft), between camps two and three on the mountain's west ridge, a popular ascent route. Purja's company, Elite Exped, expressed profound sadness in a statement, confirming his death and that of his climbing partners, including Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa.2
Among the victims were notable climbers such as Nadhira Alharthy, the first Omani to summit Everest, and US climber Mallory Geis. The climbing community is mourning the loss of Purja, with adventurer Bear Grylls calling the news “heartbreaking for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man.”356
Purja was known for his extraordinary achievements in high-altitude mountaineering, including leading the first winter ascent of K2. He was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his contributions to the sport and was recognized for his bravery in rescuing fellow climbers in perilous situations.
“GPS data placed the avalanche at 9am near 6,579m between camps two and three on Broad Peak's west ridge. Elite Exped confirmed deaths of Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa, and Nadhira Alharthy, the first Omani to climb Everest, was among the victims.”
The Guardian
