World Record Mountaineer Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja Dies in Pakistan Avalanche

Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja, the world-renowned mountaineer who set a record by climbing all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters in just 189 days, was killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The 43-year-old Nepali climber died alongside nine other members of his multinational expedition team. Purja's climbing company, Elite Expeditions, confirmed the tragic news on social media, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain globally at 8,047 meters, is known for its extreme danger, with numerous fatalities since the first ascent in 1957. Purja had recently shared on social media that climbing Broad Peak was not originally planned but represented a unique opportunity to become the first person to summit all 14 highest peaks twice without supplemental oxygen. In his last post, he wrote, "I ask for nothing but a safe passage up and back down. I take nothing for granted."

Before his climbing career, Purja served 16 years in the British Army, including a decade in elite units, and was the first Gurkha soldier to summit Everest during his service. In 2018, he was awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for his achievements in extreme mountaineering. His record-breaking ascent was documented in the Netflix film "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible."

Nepal's Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, mourned Purja and the other five Nepali climbers who died, calling their courage and dedication an enduring inspiration. Israeli mountaineer Daniel Wolf, who climbed with Purja, also paid tribute, describing him as a legendary figure who inspired countless people and left a profound impact on those who knew him.

The tragedy highlights the ongoing risks of high-altitude mountaineering, especially on perilous peaks like Broad Peak, where avalanches and harsh conditions have claimed many lives over the decades.