British Climber Nirmal 'Nims' Purja Dies in Pakistan Avalanche

Tragedy has struck the mountaineering world with the confirmation of the death of Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, a celebrated British climber, following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. Elite Exped, the company co-founded by Purja, confirmed his passing, stating that none of the 10-person team survived the incident.

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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 avalanche occurred on Thursday at approximately midday on the 8,051-meter (26,414 ft) Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range of northern Pakistan. Purja, a former British Army and Royal Marines soldier, was leading the expedition when the disaster struck. The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed on Saturday that all members of the group had perished.

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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.

Purja, 43, was a highly decorated climber, holding an MBE and renowned for his extraordinary achievements in high-altitude mountaineering. In 2019, he set a world record by scaling all 14 of the world's peaks above 8,000 meters in just six months. This remarkable feat was captured in the popular Netflix documentary '14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,' which showcased his determination and skill in conquering some of the planet's most formidable mountains.

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Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones. No words can erase the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve.

Elite Exped released a statement expressing profound sadness and heartbreak over the loss of Purja and his climbing partners, including Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa. Rescuers had initially found the bodies of four climbers, identifying Nadhira Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal among them. The company extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost, requesting privacy during their grief.

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Purja, 43, was a British citizen with an MBE, and one of the world’s most renowned climbers. He scaled the world’s 14 highest peaks in just six months in 2019, holding a record for the fastest climb until Norwegian climber Kristin Harila beat him four years later.