Renowned Mountaineer Nirmal Purja Killed in Broad Peak Avalanche

British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan on Thursday, July 30, his expedition company confirmed. Ten people, including Purja, were killed in the incident.

Elite Expeditions, the firm founded by Purja, released a statement expressing profound sadness over the loss and noting that other members of the expedition also perished. The statement praised Purja as one of mountaineering’s most accomplished climbers and highlighted his influence on the sport.

Purja’s brother Kamal issued a separate statement, describing the tragedy as a heavy loss and expressing pride in his brother’s legacy.

Born in Nepal and later serving 16 years in the British army, Purja gained worldwide recognition for summiting all 14 of the world’s highest peaks in just over six months in 2019, a feat documented in the 2021 Netflix film "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible." He was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his high-altitude achievements.

Nepal’s prime minister, Balendra Shah, said the deaths of six Nepalese and four foreign climbers, including Purja, had shocked the nation and that their courage and dedication would remain inspiring.

Purja, who lived in Hampshire, England, is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter. Details about other survivors were not immediately available.