The body of renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja has been recovered on Broad Peak in Pakistan, rescuers have said.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said on Sunday that he was found about 5,700m up the mountain, where three further bodies have been sighted although their identities have not been confirmed.
The 43-year-old’s death was announced on Saturday by his company, Elite Expeditions, which said he was among 10 people were killed in the avalanche. The Prince of Wales was among those to pay tribute.
Purja, who was born in Nepal and later served in the British Army, was known for scaling the world’s 14 highest peaks in just over six months in 2019.
The Alpine Club said a ground team would take the recovered bodies to a Japanese camp.
Prior to Purja’s death being announced, Pakistani officials said the bodies of three other climbers from his expedition – American Mallory Geis, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal – had been recovered.
On Saturday, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah said “the tragic death of six Nepalese and four other foreign climbers, including world record holder Nirmal Purja, in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan, has shocked us”.
“The history of their courage, dedication, and contributions will always remain inspiring,” the prime minister added.
In a statement, Purja’s older brother Kamal wrote: “It is with the heaviest heart that I share the devastating news that my beloved younger brother, Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, and the other climbers are no longer with us.
“Although our hearts are broken, we are incredibly proud of you. Your legacy will live forever,” he added.
Prince William said he was “truly saddened to hear of the tragic death” of Purja, who he said “served with distinction” as a soldier before “becoming one of the greatest mountaineers”.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said in a post on X: “Incredibly sad to learn of the passing of Nirmal (Nims) Purja and those he was climbing with.
“He was an inspirational man who served in our Armed Forces for many years – and whose incredible mountaineering adventures are known the world over.”
Naila Kiani, a spokesperson for the Alpine Club of Pakistan which is involved in the rescue efforts, told BBC’s Newshour programme on Saturday that her organisation feared all members of the group were dead, and that Purja had led many expeditions she was on.
Praising his leadership skills, she described him as a “very experienced climber and fearless”.
