The body of Netflix star Nims Purja, who died in an avalanche on Broad Peak, has been helicoptered off the mountain in Pakistan. The recovery operation, described as exceptionally challenging, brought down the bodies of Purja and four other climbers.
Recovery operation
Purja, a world-famous mountaineer and former Royal Marines commando, was leading an expedition of 10 climbers on Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain, when an avalanche struck. He was 43 years old.
His body was transported from the mountain on Thursday, almost a week after the tragedy, along with the bodies of Chinese climber Zhong Wang, and Nepali climbers Nima Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Kilu Sherpa.
Official statement
The President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan said in a statement: "On behalf of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, it is announced with great sadness that, following an exceptionally challenging and technically demanding recovery operation on Broad Peak, the bodies of Nirmal Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa and Kilu Sherpa have been successfully recovered and have now arrived safely at Base Camp."
He added: "I extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated ground recovery team, led by Mingma G and supported by Sirbaz Khan, Abid Baig, Sherbaz, Dipen Gurung and Pemba Chhewang Sherpa, whose courage, professionalism and selfless commitment made this recovery possible under extremely difficult conditions."
Remaining bodies
The bodies of some other climbers in the expedition remain missing. Officials have said that the bodies of Purja and the others will be flown to Islamabad in Pakistan after liaising with embassies of the climbers' home countries.
Earlier this week, three other bodies were recovered from the mountain, bringing the total so far to eight, in what has been described as the deadliest mountaineering disaster to have taken place in Pakistan.
Tributes
When news of the incident broke, Made In Chelsea star and endurance athlete Spencer Matthews, who had appeared in Purja's 2023 Netflix documentary, had been praying for the star before the worst was confirmed.
Following search efforts, Purja's company Elite Exped confirmed his death. 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."
The company added: "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. 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."
