World-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja has been confirmed dead following an avalanche that struck an expedition on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, his company Elite Exped announced on Saturday, August 1. He was 43.
Purja, a former British special forces soldier and Gurkha, was leading a team of 10 climbers on the 8,047m (26,400 ft) peak in the Karakoram range when the avalanche hit around midday Thursday, July 30.
Four more mountaineers have been confirmed dead, including Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy, Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung “Yukta,” and American climber Sarah Mallory Geis.
The company officially released a statement confirming: “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.”
“His legacy will live on in the countless lives he changed and the people he inspired to climb their own mountains,” the statement reads.
The first time that Purja gained widespread recognition was in 2019 after he succeeded in climbing all 14 of the tallest mountains in the world within six months and eight days. His accomplishment was captured in the Netflix film titled 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. He went on to become the first leader to take a group to the summit of K2, the second highest peak in the world, during winter.
While Purja is known for his fearless nature, he received recognition twice after putting his life on the line to save other climbers. He sacrificed his oxygen in order to save his fellow climbers. Purja was conferred the MBE title by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2018.
In his final social media post, Purja wrote: “Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down. I take zero mountains for granted.”
Rescue operations for the rest of the climbers are continuing but are faced with harsh weather and avalanche risks.
Pujra leaves behind his wife and three-year-old daughter.
“We are incredibly proud of you. Your legacy will live forever,” his brother Kamal wrote.
2026-08-01 21:54:00
