Tragic Incident on Everest: Kenyan Climber Deceased and Nepali Sherpa Lost During Oxygen-Free Summit Attempt
The tragic discovery of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, a 40-year-old mountaineer, near Everest's summit highlights the dangers of attempting the climb without supplemental oxygen. Reports indicate a Nepali sherpa is also missing, intensifying the rescue efforts on the world's highest peak.
An experienced Kenyan mountaineer passed away on Wednesday while attempting to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. Rescuers are currently searching for the Nepali sherpa who was accompanying him during the climb.
According to the Nepali government and his employer, the body of 40-year-old Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui was discovered about 20 meters from the summit of the world’s highest mountain, as reported by an official from Nepal’s Department of Tourism to CNN.
The official Gautam Khim Lal informed CNN that Kirui's sherpa is still missing and the expedition agency is actively searching for him. He was speaking from the foot of the mountain.
Kirui, a banker from Nairobi, and his guide Nawang Sherpa, aged 44, were reported missing on Wednesday after losing radio contact. A rescue team immediately began searching for them in camps and trails across the vast mountain, as shared by Gautam with CNN.
Kami Rita Sherpa broke his previous Guinness World Record.
Kami Rita Sherpa broke his previous Guinness World Record.
Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters
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Kirui’s body was discovered on Wednesday night local time in Nepal, at about 28,970 feet (8,830 meters) above sea level.
His employer KCB Bank praised him as a dedicated athlete and mountaineer, highlighting that he became the second Kenyan to reach the summit of Mt Everest in a post on X.
In his latest Instagram post, Kirui shared his courageous journey to climb Mt Everest without using supplemental oxygen. He mentioned the unique preparations and risks involved in such a no-oxygen attempt, expressing confidence in his physical readiness while also detailing the precautions he was taking.
He made sure to pack medications for various illnesses and frostbite, and mentioned that his guide would have emergency oxygen on hand.
"After putting in a lot of effort physically, mentally, and time-wise (this expedition is taking me away from my regular 9 to 5 job for over a month), as well as financially (the cost is so high that I'll be declaring bankruptcy as soon as I return to Kenya)... it's finally time to face the challenge," he explained.
Condolence messages quickly replaced the congratulatory comments and good luck wishes on the Instagram post when news spread that his body had been found.
According to colleagues, Kirui was passionate about the outdoors, participating in ultramarathons and conquering some of the world's most challenging mountains.
"KCB Group CEO Paul Russo praised his unstoppable determination and strong love for mountaineering, which drove him to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. His successful climbs on Mt Manaslu and Mt Everest showcase his adventurous nature and unwavering commitment."
This photograph taken on May 31, 2021 shows mountaineers climbing the Hillary Step during their ascend of the South face to summit Mount Everest (8,848.86-metre), in Nepal. (Photo by Lakpa SHERPA / AFP) (Photo by LAKPA SHERPA/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo, taken on May 31, 2021, captures mountaineers climbing the Hillary Step as they make their way up the South face to reach the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal. The height of Mount Everest is 8,848.86 meters. The image was taken by Lakpa Sherpa and is credited to AFP/Getty Images.
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Mount Everest, located in the Himalayan mountain range, is the tallest mountain on Earth, standing at 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) above sea level. It is situated on the border between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region in China. Tragically, over 300 people have lost their lives on the mountain.
Spring is considered the best time to climb Mount Everest, although some climbers may attempt the ascent during the less ideal autumn season. The majority of climbers aim to reach the summit in May. Typically, there is a short period of time, usually after mid-May, when temperatures are milder and the high-altitude winds, known as the jet stream, have shifted away from the mountain.
Reporting contributed by CNN’s Sugam Pokharel.
Editor's P/S:
The death of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, a seasoned Kenyan mountaineer, while attempting to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, is a tragic loss. Kirui's body was discovered around 20 meters from the summit, while his Nepali sherpa companion remains missing. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering, even for experienced climbers.
Kirui's journey to climb Mount Everest without using supplemental oxygen was a testament to his courage and determination. However, it also highlighted the unique challenges and risks involved in such an endeavor. The fact that Kirui was accompanied by an experienced sherpa and had taken precautions such as packing medications and ensuring his guide had emergency oxygen on hand underscores the significance of proper preparation and support when attempting to conquer Mount Everest. His death underscores the importance of respecting the mountain's unforgiving conditions and the need for climbers to make informed decisions about their safety.
