The family of the late mountain climber Cheruiyot Kirui has been plunged into profound sorrow following his tragic passing during an expedition on Mt. Everest.
In a statement released on Friday, Kirui’s relatives confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that Cheruiyot and his sherpa guide encountered a fatal accident while attempting to conquer the mountain without supplementary oxygen.
“Cheruiyot lost contact with the base camp early morning on May 22, 2024, during his summit push. His expedition company reported him missing, prompting a rapid response from a team of rescue sherpas stationed at camp 4,” the family shared.
“Tragically, his body was discovered at an altitude of 8,800m, a mere 48 meters from the summit. Though the exact sequence of events remains unclear, it is evident that Cheruiyot and his sherpa guide, Nawang Sherpa, suffered a fall.”
In the wake of this devastating loss, Kirui’s kin extended heartfelt condolences to his friends, colleagues, and the family of Nawang Sherpa, who remains unaccounted for despite extensive search efforts.
“The search for Nawang Sherpa continues, and we join our prayers with those of his family in Nepal. May he be found swiftly,”
