Famed climber dead in Pakistan avalanche; search for others ongoing
The expedition lost contact with its base camp after an avalanche struck Broad Peak as they attempted to scale the mountain.
Updated on: August 1, 2026 / 12:51 PM EDT / CBS/AP
Famed British Nepali climber Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers were killed after being swept away by an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak earlier this week , his expedition company said Saturday. Rescue groups are trying to find the bodies.
"It is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak," Purja's company Elite Expeditions said on social media . "We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive."
Karrar Haidri, the vice president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, confirmed the news.
"This is heartbreaking news for all of us, and we extend our condolences to the families and friends of the climbers," Haidri said.
Rescuers backed by military helicopters resumed the search Saturday for six members of a 10-member expedition who were swept away by the avalanche. Three of the four bodies found so far have been recovered, officials said.