Three lives have been tragically lost on Mount Everest this week in a series of unfortunate incidents. Among the deceased are a British climber, a Kenyan banker who was serving as a guide, and a Nepalese climber. The devastating events included an ice collapse on the renowned peak, which stands as the tallest mountain in the world. As of now, one guide is still missing, adding to the somberness of the situation.
Daniel Paul Paterson, a 40-year-old mountaineer, and his guide, Pastenji Sherpa, 23, went missing during their descent from the mountain on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred when an ice collapse took place. It is worth mentioning that the pair had successfully reached the summit before the unfortunate event. They were part of a 15-member team organized by 8K Expeditions, a renowned company based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The adventure company wrote that the incident occurred between Summit Ridge and South Summit, according to eyewitnesses. Some climbers were swept away in Kangshung Face. The company remembers and honors their enduring spirits, while extending their deepest condolences to the grieving families.
Kenyan climber’s guide remains missing
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On Wednesday morning, Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, a 40-year-old Kenyan, and his guide Nawang Sherpa, aged 44, went missing on the 29,032-foot mountain.
According to CBS News, the Kenyan climber was discovered deceased in the area between the summit and the Hillary Step. However, his guide is still unaccounted for, as stated by Khim Lal Gautam, a Nepalese government official, to AFP.
According to a statement from the Nepal Department of Tourism, another Nepali climber, Binod Babu Bastakoti, tragically lost his life at an altitude of 26,902 feet on Wednesday.
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Friends, government officials express condolences for dead climbers
Sherpa, an accomplished climber, had an impressive record of successful climbs, including two on Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain. He also conquered K2, the second highest mountain on Earth, and Amadablam, a prominent peak in Nepal. His expertise, warm spirit, and kindness made him one of the most sought-after guides at 8K Expeditions.
Paterson, an experienced climber, is well-known for his robust fitness, uplifting positivity, and strong determination. He has successfully summited Island Peak and Amadablam in the past, demonstrating his intense preparation and unwavering determination. Now, he sets his sights on conquering Everest.
Really gutted by this news. Kirui my friend and banker at KCB passed by my office before he left for Nepal on this adventure. I have been following his exploits until this unfortunate end. He is a fearless, audacious spirit, and represents the indomitable will of many Kenyans. We…
— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) May 23, 2024
Kenyan foreign ministry secretary, Korir Sing’oei, expressed his heartfelt condolences on X for the loss of his dear friend, Kirui.
Sing’oei expressed deep sadness and disappointment upon hearing the news, as shared on social media. Sing’oei had been closely following the remarkable journey of the individual in question, until the unfortunate conclusion. Sing’oei described this person as a brave and daring individual who embodied the unwavering determination of many Kenyans. Sing’oei concluded by stating that this person will be greatly missed.
The last time I shed tears was on the morning of 1st June 2011 when my elder brother called me to inform me of the passing of my father.
I have found myself shedding tears this morning after confirmation that my brother @cheruiyot_ak has rested on the mountain. No one can ever… pic.twitter.com/FSj9aSPQKq— Mountain Stories (@j_muhia) May 23, 2024
According to a post by fellow climber James Muhia, Kirui lost radio contact in the early morning of May 22 while climbing. They later discovered his body at a distance of 48 meters from the summit.
“I couldn’t help but cry this morning when I received confirmation that my brother, @cheruiyot_ak, has passed away on the mountain,” Muhia expressed on Thursday. “It’s a somber day for all of us. Our brother has become one with the mountain. It’s going to be a challenging time ahead. Farewell, my dear brother.”
Before Kirui’s death, the Kenyan climber also shared updates about the climb on social media.
In a post on Instagram on May 17, Kirui expressed his plan, stating, “I am ready physically for the special preparations and risks that come with a no-oxygen attempt.”
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