Mountaineer Nirmal Purja killed in Pakistan avalanche, his company says

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, 43, died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan, according to his company Elite Expeditions. The tragic event left 10 people dead, including three climbers from Purja's expedition: American Mallory Geis, Omani Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and Nepali Pur Bahadur Gurung. Purja, born in Nepal and a former British army member, was known for climbing all 14 peaks higher than 8,000 meters within six months in 2019.

Pakistani officials confirmed the deaths of four foreign climbers and six Nepalese in the Karakoram mountain range. Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed shock over the "tragic death" of the climbers. Purja's brother Kamal released a statement, mourning the loss and praising his brother's legacy. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting mourned the loss, noting Purja's military service and mountaineering achievements.

Naila Kiani, a spokesperson for the Alpine Club of Pakistan, praised Purja's leadership and climbing skills. Rescuers reported fearing the worst for the climbers but confirmed seeing some bodies. Purja, also known as Nims, had led multiple expeditions and gained fame through a Netflix documentary showcasing his 14 peaks climb record.