"No words can erase the pain of this unimaginable loss"
Renowned climber Nirmal Purja is among those killed after an avalanche struck while he was leading an expedition on one of the world’s highest mountains.
The company co-founded by Purja, Elite Exped, confirmed that the former British Army and Royal Marines soldier died on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan.
Purja was guiding a team on the 8,051-metre mountain when the avalanche hit on July 30.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Elite Exped said:
“Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak.
“We have also received confirmation that other members of this expedition sadly did not survive.
“Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy, including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa.
“Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones.
“No words can erase the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve.”
Rescuers had launched a search for 10 missing climbers following the avalanche.
The bodies of four climbers were initially recovered, with two identified as Nadhira Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung “Yukta” from Nepal.
Located in the Karakoram mountain range, Broad Peak is the world’s 12th highest mountain.
Nirmal Purja, widely known as Nims, was a British citizen and was awarded an MBE for his services to high-altitude mountaineering.
He became globally recognised in 2019 after climbing the world’s 14 highest peaks in just six months and six days.
The achievement broke the previous record for completing the challenge, known as the “14 Peaks”, before it was later surpassed by Norwegian climber Kristin Harila in 2023.
Purja’s extraordinary journey was documented in the Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, which followed his attempt to complete the record-breaking feat.
Born in Nepal, Purja served in the British military for 16 years before becoming one of the world’s most celebrated mountaineers.
According to his official website, he was the first Gurkha to join the Special Boat Service, a special forces unit of the Royal Navy.
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