The Mountains Mourn: Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja died in Broad Peak Avalanche
Kathmandu — Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja, whose record-breaking ascents redefined modern high-altitude climbing, has been confirmed dead following a massive avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, his expedition company, Elite Exped, announced Saturday.
The avalanche struck Thursday between Camp 2 and Camp 3 on the 8,047-meter (26,401-foot) mountain in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, engulfing a 10-member international expedition attempting the summit. Rescue operations were hampered by severe weather, strong winds and avalanche danger.
Purja, 43, became internationally known in 2019 after climbing all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters in a record six months and six days. A former member of the British Army’s Gurkhas and Special Boat Service, he later led numerous Himalayan expeditions through his company, Elite Exped, and inspired climbers worldwide through the documentary *14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible*.
Authorities said the expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China and the United States. By Saturday, four deaths had been confirmed, including Purja, while rescue teams continued efforts to recover the remaining victims from the avalanche site.
Members of the Broad Peak expedition included Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja, Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa of Nepal; Sohail Sakhi of Pakistan; Nathira (Nadhira) Ahmed Al Harthy of Oman; Mallory Geis of the United States; and Wang Zhong of China.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest mountaineering disasters in the Karakoram in recent years and has sent shockwaves through the global climbing community. Tributes have poured in from mountaineers, expedition operators and admirers around the world, remembering Purja as one of the most influential climbers of his generation.
Deepest condolences are extended to the families, friends, teammates, and loved ones of all those who lost their lives. May they rest in peace, and may their legacy of courage and adventure endure for generations to come.
