NIRMAL PURJA KILLED IN PAKISTAN AVALANCHE ON BROAD PEAK

Nirmal Purja, a mountaineer and former Royal Marines soldier, died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan on Thursday. Purja was leading an expedition of 10 climbers on the mountain, the world's 12th highest, when the avalanche struck at approximately midday. Elite Exped, the company he co-founded, confirmed his death following search efforts. The company also confirmed that other expedition members did not survive.

Pakistani officials reported that bodies of three climbers had been recovered: Mallory Geis from the United States, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman, and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal. Elite Exped identified two other climbers who died in the avalanche: Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa, described as Purja's trusted climbing partners and guides. Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah said on social media that the avalanche killed six Nepalese and four other foreign climbers, including Purja. Shah said Purja's history of "courage, dedication, and contributions will always remain inspiring".

Purja held multiple mountaineering records and was known for his achievements in high-altitude climbing. British adventurer Bear Grylls paid tribute to Purja on social media following the avalanche. Elite Exped asked that the families and loved ones of those killed be given privacy as they grieve.