NAIROBI, Kenya – An experienced Kenyan climber tragically passed away near the peak of Mount Everest in Nepal, according to Mt Everest Today. His aspiration of conquering the summit without additional oxygen came to an abrupt end, highlighting the dangers of such treacherous expeditions.
The climber, Cheruiyot Kirui, known for his expertise in mountaineering and career as a banker, was pronounced dead on Wednesday evening after intense rescue efforts were deployed from the mountain’s base camp.
Mount Everest Today confirmed the grim news, revealing that Kirui’s body was discovered just a few meters below the summit. Standing at nearly 9 kilometers above sea level, Everest is the Earth’s highest peak, posing significant challenges to even the most experienced climbers.
“He had embarked on a daring mission to reach the summit without the use of supplementary oxygen, accompanied by his Nepali counterpart Nawang Sherpa, whose whereabouts remain unknown,” the statement read.
“His unwavering determination and love for mountaineering will forever inspire us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Cheruiyot.”
Mingma Sherpa, Chairman of Seven Summit Treks, disclosed that Kirui was attempting the daunting ascent without supplemental oxygen and lost contact near Bishop Rock, just shy of the summit.
“Kirui, a banker at KCB, and his Sherpa guide Nawang were last heard from near Bishop Rock,” Sherpa revealed. Kirui, who aimed to conquer Everest without added oxygen, reportedly exhibited erratic behavior alongside his guide, Nawang.
The search for the missing climbers intensified as two Sherpa rescuers were dispatched above the balcony area. The urgency grew after reports emerged that two climbers, Daniel Paul Peterson from the UK and Pas Tenji Sherpa from Makalu, had gone missing near the Hillary step below the summit point after a route collapse.
Additional casualties were reported as Mongolian climbers, Usukhjargal Tsedendamba and Prevsuren Lkhagvajav, lost their lives while descending from the summit on May 13.
AXADLETM
