Prince William expressed his condolences to the family of renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja following his death in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The military veteran and climber, widely known as Nims, was leading a group of 10 climbers attempting to summit the 26,400-foot (8,051-meter) peak—the world’s 12th highest mountain—when the fatal incident occurred on Thursday. All members of the expedition lost their lives.

Purja, 43, was a former member of the British Special Boat Service, Gurkhas, and Royal Marines before becoming one of the world’s most celebrated high-altitude climbers. In a social media post, Prince William highlighted Purja’s distinguished military service and his significant contributions to mountaineering, particularly his role in raising the profile of Nepalese climbers internationally. The prince described Purja’s drive, humility, and selflessness as qualities that set him apart in the climbing community and extended his sympathies to the families of all those who perished in the avalanche.

Elite Exped, the expedition company co-founded by Purja, released a statement mourning the loss of Purja and the other climbers, acknowledging the deep grief left by the tragedy.

Born in Nepal and a British citizen, Purja gained global recognition in 2019 when he completed ascents of the world’s 14 highest peaks in just 189 days, shattering the previous record by seven years. His extraordinary achievement was featured in a Netflix documentary, further highlighting his impact on the sport and the mountaineering world.

The circumstances surrounding the avalanche are under investigation, with officials assessing the risks associated with climbing Broad Peak, which is known for its challenging conditions. The loss has resonated widely within the climbing community and beyond, marking a somber moment for outdoor enthusiasts and those inspired by Purja’s remarkable career.