Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja died alongside nine other climbers following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The group went missing on Thursday during an expedition on the 8,051-meter mountain, which ranks as the twelfth highest peak in the world.
Elite Exped, the company led by Purja, confirmed the fatalities after rescue operations struggled against severe weather conditions in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Among the deceased are Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal, Nadhira Al Harthy of Oman, and Mallory Geis of the United States. Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi and a Chinese climber were also reported as part of the group of ten.
Purja gained international recognition for his record-breaking feat of climbing all 14 of the world’s highest peaks in 189 days. That accomplishment was the subject of the documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.
Authorities continue to manage the recovery efforts in this remote area of the Karakoram range. Local officials note that Broad Peak remains one of the most technical and difficult climbs in the region. Prime Minister Balendra Shah of Nepal expressed his condolences, acknowledging the contribution of these climbers to the sport.