Mountaineer Nirmal Purja and Two Companions Confirmed Dead in Broad Peak Avalanche
Legendary mountaineer Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja has been confirmed dead after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, according to a statement from his adventure company, Elite Exped.
Purja and five other climbers had been reported missing since Friday after the avalanche hit the peak, which lies in the Karakoram range on the border between Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan and China's Xinjiang region, a few kilometres from K2.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, 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 the expedition sadly did not survive."
The company named two of the other victims as Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa, both trusted climbing partners and guides. "Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy," the statement read, urging the public to respect the families' privacy.
The avalanche struck along Broad Peak's standard West Ridge route, at an estimated altitude of between 21,600 and 21,850 feet. Search and rescue efforts had been underway since the climbers were reported missing, but harsh conditions hindered operations.
Purja, a British-Nepali climber, was widely regarded as one of the greatest mountaineers of his generation. He gained global fame in 2019 when he climbed all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in just six months and six days, a record that stood for several years. He also led the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021, a feat long considered impossible.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Purja founded Elite Exped, the Nimsdai Foundation, and several other ventures aimed at inspiring people to push beyond their perceived limits. In its tribute, Elite Exped called him "a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine."
The mountaineering community worldwide has expressed shock and grief, with tributes pouring in on social media. Purja's death is a reminder of the inherent dangers of high-altitude climbing, even for the most experienced professionals.
