Mountaineering icon Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nimsdai, has reportedly died after the devastating avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, according to an official statement shared by Elite Exped on Instagram. While the announcement ends days of uncertainty surrounding the renowned high-altitude climber, the government has not yet issued an official confirmation.
Purja had gone missing along with nine other climbers after an avalanche reportedly struck the expedition while they were moving between Camp 2 and Camp 3 on Broad Peak.
Elite Exped confirms Nirmal Purja’s death
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 the expedition sadly did not survive.”
The company also paid tribute to the other victims, adding, “Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa. Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones.”
The statement further read, “No words can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve. The world has lost one of mountaineering’s greatest climbers; a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine. More than his extraordinary achievements, he wanted to show the world what was possible when you dared to dream bigger, believed in yourself and refused to accept limitations. Through his actions, he inspired millions of people to believe that they, too, could achieve more than they ever thought possible.”
Highlighting his lasting impact, Elite Exped added, “His vision, leadership and determination built Elite Exped, Nimsdai Foundation, Skydive Nimsdai and Nimsdai Store into what they are today. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he changed and the people he inspired to climb their own mountains. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the search and rescue teams and everyone who supported the response under incredibly difficult circumstances.”
The organisation concluded by saying, “Out of respect for all the families involved, we will not be making any further comment beyond information confirmed by the relevant authorities. Nims, and to all those who lost their lives. You will never be forgotten; your spirit, your purpose and your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
What happened on Broad Peak?
According to reports, Purja was leading a team of 10 climbers when the avalanche struck on July 30. The expedition included five Nepali climbers, one Pakistani, one American, one Omani, one Chinese national and another foreign climber.
The group had been climbing above Camp 2 and heading towards Camp 3 at an altitude of roughly 21,600 to 21,850 feet. While this is below the 8,000-metre “death zone”, the team was climbing towards it, where oxygen levels drop dramatically and the human body can no longer acclimatise for extended periods.
Reports said that Purja’s satellite tracking device last recorded his location at 21,847 feet at 9:38 am before indicating a rapid fall of around 800 metres by 10:18 am. The signal then went completely silent. Search operations later expanded with helicopters, rescue equipment and supplemental oxygen after weather conditions improved. Reports also said four bodies had been located at the avalanche site, while concerns mounted over the reported delay of nearly 13 hours before an emergency alarm was raised.
(News Ei Samay has not yet independently verified all the claims made by Elite Exped.)
FAQs:
Who was Nirmal Purja ‘Nimsdai’ ?
Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja was a renowned Nepali-born mountaineer celebrated for climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record time.
How did Nirmal Purja die on Broad Peak?
Nirmal Purja was confirmed dead after an avalanche struck his expedition between Camp 2 and Camp 3 on Pakistan’s Broad Peak.