Mountaineer and former Royal Marines soldier Nirmal Purja confirmed dead in Pakistan avalanche
Renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja and two climbing partners have died following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The tragedy has prompted tributes from the global climbing community and those who worked with him on previous expeditions.
Why it matters
Purja was a high-profile figure in mountaineering, known for his record-breaking summits and documentary work, making his death a significant loss to the adventure sports community.
THE COMPANY CO-FOUNDED by Nirmal Purja has confirmed that the former British Army and Royal Marines soldier has died in Pakistan after an avalanche.
The Nepalese mountaineer was leading an expedition of 10 climbers on Broad Peak – the world’s 12th highest mountain – in the north of the country when the avalanche struck at about midday on Thursday.
Following search efforts, his company Elite Exped has now confirmed Purja was killed.
In a post shared on Instagram, the company 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.
“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.
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