Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, often known as Nims Dai, died following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The incident occurred on Thursday, claiming the lives of ten climbers in total. His expedition company, Elite Exped, confirmed the loss over the weekend.
Purja was a prominent figure in the mountaineering community, gaining global recognition after his record-setting ascent of the 14 highest peaks in the world. His story reached a wider audience through the documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. Officials reported that the avalanche struck the mountain at 26,414 feet, a site known for its technical difficulty.
While search teams identified the location of the victims using drone footage, recovery operations remain difficult. Pakistani authorities noted the challenges in retrieving the bodies from such a high, inaccessible terrain. In addition to Purja, the group included climbers from several countries, including Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, the U.S., and China.
Leaders and colleagues paid tribute to his legacy, highlighting his contributions to high-altitude guiding and his service in the British military. The search remains a priority for local officials as they work to bring the victims down from the mountain.