avalanche

A search team has retrieved the remains of renowned climber Nirmal Purja and several members of his team after they were killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain located in Pakistan.

Aug. 1 (UPI) — World-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine others were killed during an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, it was confirmed Saturday.

Purja, 42, was among 10 climbers who were swept away by the deadly avalanche on Thursday, leading rescuers on a frantic search for survivors.

Officials said Friday they had found two bodies and one body part, but did not confirm who had died.

“Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdal’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak,” his company said in a statement on Instagram.

“We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive,” the statement added.

The expedition included Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman, Sohail Sakhi of Pakistan, Wang Zhong of China, Mallory Geis of the United States, as well as Pur “Yukta” Bahadur Gurung, Kili “Kilu” Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa and Nawang Thindu Sherpa.

Purja, known as Nims Dai, reached the peak of his sport in 2019, when he climbed all of the world’s 14 tallest peaks in just six months, beating the previous record by nearly eight years.

“The world has lost one of mountaineering’s greatest climbers; a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine,” his company said.

“More than his extraordinary achievements, he wanted to show the world what was possible when you dared to dream bigger, believed in yourself and refused to accept limitations,” the statement continued. “Through his actions, he inspired millions of people to believe that they, too, could achieve more than they ever thought possible.”

Purja, who was Nepali and British, served in the U.K. military for 16 years and was awarded an MBE by the queen in 2016 for his outstanding achievement in mountaineering.

“Nims served with distinction in the British Armed Forces before becoming one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, putting Nepalese climbers on the map,” Prince Williams of Wales said in a statement on X.

“His relentless pursuit of what seemed impossible, combined with his humility and selflessness, made him truly unique.”

July 31 (UPI) — Rescue crews searching for 10 missing mountaineers following an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak mountain found four bodies, officials said Friday.

The expedition was led by renowned mountaineer Nirmal Pruja and included American climber and wellness entrepreneur Mallory Geis.

Maj. Gen. Irfan Arshad Khan, president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said in a statement posted on Instagram on Friday that the bodies had been located.

“Search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing, and we urge the public to await verified updates before drawing conclusions,” the club said in a separate statement.

“The Alpine Club of Pakistan extends its continued thoughts to the climbers and their families during this difficult time.”

The club did not say whether the bodies had been recovered.

The avalanche occurred midday Thursday on Broad Peak, which at 26,401 feet is of the world’s 12th-highest mountain, in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan said in a statement that one of its expeditions had gone missing. It was last in communication with the group before the avalanche occurred, it said.

The 10 expeditions members were identified as Purja, Geis, Sohail Sakhi of Pakistan, Wang Zhong of China, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman and Nepalese mountaineers Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa.