Nepalese Record-Setting Climber Dies

Nepalese climber Nirmal Purja has died due to an avalanche on Broad Peak (8,051 m) in Pakistan. This was reported by Elite Exped, a company co-founded by Purja.

“With deep sadness and immense sorrow in our hearts, we confirm that Nirmal Purja has died as a result of an avalanche on Broad Peak. We also have confirmation that the other members of this expedition, sadly, did not survive. Today, we mourn not only for Nirmal but for every life lost due to this tragedy, including his reliable companions and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa,” the company stated in an announcement.

On July 29, a team of ten climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, Oman, and China began their ascent of Broad Peak, led by 43-year-old Purja. Around noon local time on July 30, an avalanche occurred on the mountain, after which contact with the group was lost. According to GPS devices, the climbers were swept down by one kilometer.

Purja made history in 2019 by summiting all 14 of the world's highest peaks in a record time of six months and six days. This record stood until 2023. He also became the first climber to reach the summits of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu within 48 hours.