World-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, a former British Army soldier and star of the Netflix documentary '14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,' died after an avalanche struck his team on Broad Peak in Pakistan on Thursday, his guiding company Elite Exped confirmed today. The avalanche hit a group of 10 climbers at approximately midday, with Purja leading the expedition. The tragedy also claimed the lives of Nadhira Alharthy, the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest; American climber Sarah Mallory Geis; and Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung.
Elite Exped Confirms Purja's Death
In an emotional statement posted on Instagram, 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 this expedition sadly did not survive.' The company added: 'Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy, including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa.'
Elite Exped extended 'deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences' to the families and friends of the deceased, requesting privacy as they grieve. The company also confirmed that Nima Sherpa, a guide, was among the deceased, bringing the total confirmed deaths to five.
Purja's Record-Breaking Career
Purja, a former Royal Marines soldier, became a global icon in 2019 when he climbed all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in a record time of six months and six days. His achievement was chronicled in the 2021 Netflix documentary '14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,' which highlighted his remarkable speed and endurance. In 2024, he repeated the feat without supplemental oxygen, a testament to his extraordinary physical and mental strength.
On Monday, just days before the tragedy, Purja posted on X that Broad Peak was the penultimate mountain he needed to summit to complete the 14 peaks again. His post read: 'THE MISSION SHIFTS. THE COMPASS HOLDS. This was never the plan. Initially, the plan was to climb just G2. But just before setting off for Pakistan, I ran the numbers on my 8000m summits. That’s when it hit me: if I tick off Broad Peak whilst I’m here, only one remains.'
The Fatal Ascent
Purja and nine other climbers, split into four teams, set off for Broad Peak in the Karakoram range on Thursday morning. By 9am, communication with the climbers was lost. Officials reported that an avalanche struck the group at an altitude of 6,600 meters. The search and rescue operation began the following morning but was hampered by adverse weather conditions and the remote location of the mountain.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan reported today that two bodies have been recovered so far, along with an 'amputated' leg belonging to Geis. 'Authorities have also reported locating several additional bodies through aerial surveillance; however, official identification can only be confirmed once ground rescue teams safely reach the site,' the club said.
Missing Climbers and Ongoing Search
Several climbers remain missing, including Sohail Sakhi, a renowned Pakistani alpinist; Wang Zhong, a Chinese climber; and Kili Pema Sherpa, a Nepali guide. Rescue teams are working to reach the site, but the treacherous conditions are slowing progress. The incident has sent shockwaves through the mountaineering community, with tributes pouring in for Purja and the other victims.
Purja's death marks a significant loss to the world of extreme sports. His motto, 'Nothing Is Impossible,' inspired millions worldwide. In his final post on Monday, he wrote: 'Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down. I take zero mountains for granted. Not one. The moment my foot leaves basecamp, it’s 100%. Always has been. Always will be.'
