Legendary climber Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja was murdered in an avalanche at Broad Peak, the world’s 12th highest peak, according to a post made today on Instagram by the climber’s adventure firm and others. After being hit by an avalanche on Friday, Purja and five other climbers went missing.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja passed away after the avalanche on Broad Peak today. The company, Elite Exped, stated in the article, “We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive.”
“Today, we grieve not just Nims but all the lives killed in this disaster, including Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta), Nima Sherpa, and his reliable climbing buddies and guides. Their families, friends, and loved ones have our sincere sympathies, prayers, and best wishes. The firm stated, “We ask that everyone respect their privacy as they grieve because there are no words that can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss.” Only a few kilometers from K2 in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Broad Peak is located on the Karakoram mountain range, straddling the border between Xinjiang, China, and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
The avalanche occurred along the typical West Ridge path of Broad Peak. This would occur between 21,600 and 21,850 feet above sea level.
“One of the greatest mountaineers in history has passed away. He was a leader who inspired millions of people with his bravery, humility, and persistent confidence that human potential is far more than we frequently realize. He wanted to show the world what was possible when you dared to dream bigger, believed in yourself, and refused to accept limitations—more than his remarkable accomplishments. Millions of individuals were motivated by his deeds to think that they too could do more than they had previously imagined, according to Elite Exped.
Purja also served in the elite Special Boat Service (SBS) of the Royal Marines and the British Brigade of Gurkhas. Since turning into a full-time climber and expedition guide, he had broken a number of climbing records.
During his ‘Project Possible’ expedition in 2019, he made history by ascending all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in just six months and six days. He was a member of a group of ten Nepali climbers who successfully completed the first K2 winter ascent in 2021.
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