Famed mountaineer Nirmal Purja confirmed dead in Pakistan avalanche

Celebrated Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, renowned for setting a record for the fastest ascent of the world's 14 highest mountains, has tragically died in an avalanche in Pakistan. His expedition organizing company, Elite Exped, confirmed his death on Saturday.

Purja, 43, and nine other mountaineers were caught in an avalanche on Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain, on Thursday. The 8,051-meter peak is known for its technical climbing challenges in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. Elite Exped stated in a social media post, "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."

The company also confirmed that other members of the expedition did not survive, though details were not immediately provided. The group consisted of six Nepalis, along with climbers from Pakistan, Oman, the United States, and China.

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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.

Purja, a former Gurkha soldier in British special forces, achieved his record-breaking feat of summiting all 14 mountains over 8,000 meters in just over six months in 2019. His remarkable journey gained international recognition following the release of the Netflix documentary "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible."

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed his condolences, stating, "The tragic death of six Nepalese and four other foreign climbers, including world record holder Nirmal Purja, in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan, has shocked us." He added that the "history of their courage, dedication, and contributions will always remain inspiring."

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The tragic death of six Nepalese and four other foreign climbers, including world record holder Nirmal Purja, in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan, has shocked us. The physical journey of all the deceased climbers... has been interrupted, but the history of their courage, dedication, and contributions will always remain inspiring.