Nirmal “Nims” Purja, a former British Special Forces soldier and renowned mountaineer, has died following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The 43-year-old, who served in the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service (SBS), was leading an expedition of ten climbers on the world’s 12th highest mountain when the incident occurred on Thursday.

Purja’s body was recovered alongside those of the other members of the expedition after a search operation, according to his climbing company, Elite Expeditions. All ten climbers in the group lost their lives in the avalanche, marking a significant tragedy for the mountaineering community.

Born in Nepal, Purja gained international recognition for his exceptional climbing achievements and military background, which contributed to his reputation as a highly skilled and fearless mountaineer. Naila Kiana from the Alpine Club of Pakistan described him as “very experienced and fearless,” highlighting his expertise in high-altitude climbing.

The news has prompted tributes from around the world, including British adventurer Bear Grylls, who called the loss “heartbreaking” and praised Purja as a “remarkable and unique man” who was widely respected within the climbing community. The incident underscores the continuing risks faced by mountaineers attempting to scale some of the world’s most challenging peaks.