Nepalese climber Nirmal Purja confirmed dead after massive avalanche strikes expedition on Broad Peak
Nirmal Purja, a renowned Nepalese climber who made history by summiting all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in just over six months, has been confirmed dead following an avalanche on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan. The 43-year-old climber, a former British army soldier, was among 10 mountaineers swept away by the landslide on Thursday. At least four deaths have been confirmed, including Purja, Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy, Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung "Yukta", and US climber Sarah Mallory Geis. Rescue teams are currently working to recover the remaining bodies from difficult terrain. While some bodies, including those of Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa, and Kili Pemba "Kilu" Sherpa, have been moved to lower camps, others remain at high elevations due to hazardous conditions. The Pakistan Army is assessing whether a long-line helicopter rescue is possible, though safety concerns regarding the steep terrain may limit the operation. For those whose remains are not expected to be found, families have already begun performing final rituals and prayers.