Global leaders, celebrities pay tribute to mountaineer Nirmal Purja after Broad Peak tragedy

WEB DESK: Tributes poured in from around the world after renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja lost his life along with fellow climbers in an avalanche during an expedition on Pakistan’s Broad Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Purja, who earned global recognition for climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in record time, was among 10 climbers caught in the avalanche on the 8,051-metre mountain.

His expedition company, Elite Exped, confirmed his death, describing the loss as a profound tragedy. The company also confirmed that the other members of the expedition did not survive.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Khan Afridi paid tribute on X, saying some heroes do not perform in stadiums but conquer the world’s highest mountains.

Afridi said Nirmal Purja proved that courage, discipline and determination could make the impossible possible, adding that the bravery of Purja and his fellow climbers would continue to inspire generations.

Prince William and Princess Catherine also expressed their condolences in a joint statement, describing Purja as one of the world’s greatest mountaineers who helped bring global recognition to Nepali climbers.

The royal couple noted that Purja served with distinction in the British Armed Forces before becoming an iconic mountaineer, praising his humility, determination and commitment to overcoming extraordinary challenges.

Guinness World Records also honoured Purja’s legacy, highlighting his record-breaking achievements, including the highest number of true-summit ascents of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, with 49 recorded by September 2025.

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Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday said Purja redefined the limits of human endurance while also drawing international attention to the vital role played by Sherpa guides and high-altitude porters.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed grief over the tragedy, saying that although the climbers’ physical journey had ended, their courage, dedication and achievements would continue to inspire future generations.

The 43-year-old mountaineer, who previously served with the British Army’s Gurkhas and later in its Special Forces, completed his historic “Project Possible” in 2019 by summiting all 14 of the world’s highest mountains in just over six months.

His remarkable achievement was later featured in the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, introducing millions around the world to his extraordinary journey.

Purja and his fellow climbers were caught in an avalanche on Thursday while attempting to scale Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s most challenging mountains. Rescue teams later located the bodies using drone surveillance, although recovery efforts remain difficult due to harsh weather and rugged terrain.

The tragedy has prompted widespread mourning across the international mountaineering community, with climbers and admirers remembering Purja as a pioneer who reshaped the world of high-altitude climbing.