Elite Exped, the mountaineering company co-founded by Nirmal Purja, has confirmed that the former British Army soldier died after an avalanche struck his expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The avalanche hit at about midday on Thursday (July 30), while Purja was leading a team of 10 climbers on the world's 12th highest mountain.
In a statement on Instagram, Elite Exped 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 that Purja's climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa, were among those lost in the tragedy.
Spencer Matthews had prayed for a miracle
Former Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews had earlier said he was praying for a miracle as the search for Purja continued. Matthews partnered with Purja for the documentary Finding Michael, which followed their attempt to recover the body of Matthews' brother, Michael, the youngest Briton to summit Everest, who disappeared on the mountain in 1999.
Sharing a photo on Instagram, Matthews wrote: "The news from Broad Peak is heartbreaking."
Bear Grylls pays tribute
British adventurer Bear Grylls also paid tribute to Purja on Instagram, writing: "Heartbreaking news for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man. We will never forget you Nims and your unstoppable spirit."
Record-breaking mountaineer
Purja, 43, rose to prominence in 2019 when he climbed all 14 of the world's mountains above 8,000 metres (26,247ft) in 189 days, smashing the previous record by more than seven years. The challenge was the focus of the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
He served in the British military for 16 years, 10 of which were spent in the special forces, and was awarded an MBE by the late Queen in 2018 for his achievement in extreme high-altitude mountaineering. The cold weather warfare specialist was also the first Gurkha to climb Everest while serving in the British military. In 2016, he broke mountaineering conventions to rescue a climber left in the "Everest death zone", bringing her to safety alone.
