Body of mountaineer Nirmal Purja recovered after Pakistan avalanche

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja's body has been recovered in the aftermath of an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. Rescuers announced his death on Saturday, just days after the tragic incident.

Purja, born in Nepal, served in the British Army before becoming one of the world's top mountaineers. He is famously known for ascending all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks within six months in 2019. This record-breaking feat was documented in a Netflix series titled "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible."

The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that Purja's body was found at an altitude of around 5,700 meters. However, the identities of three other bodies discovered nearby have not been confirmed. Earlier reports suggested that three climbers from the expedition - American Mallory Geis, Oman's Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepal's Pur Bahadur Gurung - also succumbed to the avalanche.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six Nepalese citizens and four foreigners, including Purja. In a tribute, he said their courage, dedication and contributions would always remain inspiring.

Purja's family mourned their loss in a statement. His brother Kamal wrote, "It is with the heaviest heart that I share the devastating news that my beloved younger brother, Nirmal Nimsdai Purja, and the other climbers are no longer with us. Although our hearts are broken, we are incredibly proud of you. Your legacy will live forever."