Nirmal Purja Confirmed Dead in Avalanche on Broad Peak

British Nepali climber Nirmal Purja has been confirmed dead following an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, his expedition company announced on Saturday. Elite Expeditions expressed deep sadness, stating that other expedition members also did not survive.

Rescue operations, supported by military helicopters, resumed on Saturday for six missing members of the ten-member team. Three out of four recovered bodies have been identified. According to Tahir Khan, a local police official, the remains of Omani climber Nathira Ahmed are being transported to Islamabad, while American climber Mallory Geis and Nepalese climber Bahadur Gurung are in a Skardu hospital.

The team lost contact with the base camp on Thursday as an avalanche struck during their ascent of Broad Peak, reported Karrar Haidri of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. Rescue efforts continue with experienced climbers and army helicopters.

Nirmal Purja, known as Nims Dai, had previously achieved fame by climbing the world’s 14 highest peaks in 189 days in 2019. This achievement was the focus of the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.” In 2023, his record was surpassed. Elite Expeditions paid tribute to him, praising his courage and influence.

The expedition included climbers from Nepal, Oman, the United States, Pakistan, and other countries. Moving Mountains, a travel company, had recently announced the team’s journey to Askole for the Broad Peak ascent. Mallory Geis, attempting her first 8,000-meter peak, had closed her Pilates studio to pursue this adventure, she shared on social media. For Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, guide, geographer, and photographer, this was to be his final expedition.

Broad Peak stands at 26,401 feet, the world’s 12th-highest mountain. The Karakoram range, hosting five of the world’s 14 tallest peaks, frequently attracts climbers. Accidents occur due to avalanches, ice and rock hazards, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather.