Global tributes pour in for Nirmal Purja after tragic Broad Peak avalanche death

WEB DESK: Many of the globally renowned celebrities paid their tribute after the death of the noted Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja, who lost his life along with other climbers in an avalanche during an expedition on Pakistan’s Broad Peak.

Purja, who became globally recognised for completing the ascent of the world’s 14 highest mountains in record time, was among 10 climbers struck by an avalanche on the 8,051-metre Broad Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan.

His expedition organising company, Elite Exped, confirmed his death, saying, “Today it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak.” The company also confirmed that other members of the expedition did not survive.

Former cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi, in a post on the X platform, paid tribute to the legendary climber, saying that some heroes do not play in stadiums but conquer the world’s highest mountains.

He said, “Nirmal Purja proved that courage, discipline, and determination can make the impossible possible,” expressing sadness over the loss of Nimsdai and his fellow mountaineers. He added that their courage would continue to inspire generations.

Some heroes don’t play in stadiums—they conquer the world’s highest mountains. Nirmal Purja proved that courage, discipline, and determination can make the impossible possible. Saddened by the tragic loss of Nims Dai and his fellow mountaineers on Broad Peak. May their courage… pic.twitter.com/hPSZ4dyVdF

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 2, 2026

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, also expressed sorrow over Purja’s death in a joint post on X, describing him as one of the world’s greatest mountaineers who helped put Nepalese climbers on the global map.

“Nims served with distinction in the British Armed Forces before becoming one of the world’s greatest mountaineers,” the statement said, adding that his pursuit of seemingly impossible challenges, along with his humility and selflessness, made him unique.

I was truly saddened to hear of the tragic death of Nirmal Purja and those who lost their lives in the avalanche on Broad Peak. Nims served with distinction in the British Armed Forces before becoming one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, putting Nepalese climbers on the map.…

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 1, 2026

Guinness World Records also paid tribute to Purja, recalling his extraordinary achievements in mountaineering. The official site with ultimate record-breaking facts and achievements said Purja held multiple world records, including the most true-summit ascents of the 8,000-metre peaks, with 49 recorded as of September 2025.

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday said Purja pushed the limits of human endurance and left a lasting legacy through his efforts to highlight the contributions of Sherpa guides and porters.

Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the passing of Nirmal “Nims” Purja, following an avalanche in Pakistan that also claimed the lives of nine other climbers.

Nims held multiple Guinness World Records titles including the most true-summit ascents of the 8,000ers (49…

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) August 1, 2026

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah also expressed grief over the deaths, saying the climbers’ physical journeys had ended, but their courage, dedication and contributions would continue to inspire people.

Purja, 43, who previously served with the British Army’s Gurkhas and later in special forces, completed his record-breaking “Project Possible” feat of climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in just over six months in 2019.

His remarkable journey was later featured in the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible”, bringing international attention to his achievements and the challenges faced by high-altitude climbers.

The climbers were hit by an avalanche on Thursday while attempting Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s most challenging mountains. Rescue teams located the bodies with the help of drone surveillance, but recovery operations remain difficult due to the harsh terrain and extreme conditions.

The loss of Purja and fellow climbers has sparked widespread mourning in the mountaineering community, with many remembering him as a pioneer who transformed perceptions of what was possible in high-altitude climbing.