Former Royal Marine and Netflix star killed after deadly Pakistan avalanche
A former Royal Marine and Netflix star has died following an avalanche on one of the world's tallest mountains.
Nirmal Purja was leading a team on the Broad Peak in northern Pakistan when the avalanche struck on Thursday.
His company, Elite Exped, confirmed his death on Instagram, 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.
"We have also received confirmation that other members of this expedition sadly did not survive.
"Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa.
"Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones.
"No words can erase the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve."
Following the deadly avalanche on Thursday, rescue teams sent out search parties to look for the missing 10 people.
After initially found the bodies of four, they were able to identify two of the bodies as Nadhira Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung "Yukta" from Nepal.
Broad Peak, in the Karakoram range, is the world's 12th tallest mountain.
Mr Purja was known for his extraordinary accomplishment of scaling the world's 14 highest peaks in just six months in 2019.
He held the record for the fastest climb for four years until Norwegian climber Kristin Harila beat him in 2023.
Nirmal Purja who held six Guinness World Records for reaching many of the world's highest peaks in the fastest time
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the expedition lost all communication several hours after the incident, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.
Mr Purja spent 16 years in the military, serving as a British Marine and special forces soldier.
He was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for distinguished military service.
His remarkable 14 peaks record was showcased in a Netflix documentary, titled 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, that was released in 2021.
Nepal's Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, took to social media to offer condolences, saying: "the tragic death of six Nepalese and four other foreign climbers, including world record holder Nirmal Purja, in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan, has shocked us.
"The history of their courage, dedication, and contributions will always remain inspiring."
Broad Peak is notoriously dangerous, with dozens of climbers losing their lives whilst attempting to reach the peak.
One of its deadliest years was 2013, which saw six climbers die whilst attempting the climb.