The renowned Nepalese climber Nirmal Purja, known for having summited all 14 'eight-thousanders' of the planet in just six months in 2019, is among the four confirmed fatalities following a snow avalanche that swept away a dozen climbers earlier this week in the Himalayas.
The Nimsdai Foundation, driven by the climber himself, has confirmed his death through social media. "Our deepest thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with his families, friends, and loved ones. There are no words that can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respect their privacy as they grieve," the foundation states.
Purja, 43, was among the ten climbers reported missing on Thursday after being found, according to initial reports, on Broad Peak, a summit of 8,047 meters located in northern Pakistan, when a landslide occurred around noon local time.
Authorities have so far verified the death of at least four people: Purja, Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy, Nepalese mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung, and American climber Sarah Mallory Geis.