Legendary mountaineer and Netflix Star Nirmal Purja confirmed dead in devastating avalanche

Nimal Purja, the world-renowned climber from Nepal, has tragically died after the huge avalanche in Pakistan earlier this week.

Reports confirmed that the 43-year-old was leading a group of 10 people on an expedition up Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain in the world, when the avalanche struck on Thursday.

Two bodies had already been recovered by a search and rescue team and Purja's Garmin watch suggested that he had fallen a distance of around 2,000 feet, with the Alpine Club of Pakistan suggesting that his survival chances were 'very slim'.

And now, the company Elite Exped, which Purja co-founded, has sadly confirmed that he also lost his life in the avalanche.

Their statement read: "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 the 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 ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve."

The expedition are reported to have just left Camp 2 and were making steady progress up the mountain when the avalanche first struck.

The statement continues: "The world has lost one of mountaineering's greatest climbers; a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine. "More than his extraordinary achievements, he wanted to show the world what was possible when you dared to dream bigger, believed in yourself and refused to accept limitations. Through his actions, he inspired millions of people to believe that they, too, could achieve more than they ever thought possible.

"His vision, leadership and determination built Elite Exped, Nimsdai Foundation, Skydive Nimsdai and Nimsdai Store into what they are today. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he changed and the people he inspired to climb their own mountains.

"We also extend our sincere gratitude to the search and rescue teams and everyone who supported the response under incredibly difficult circumstances.

"Out of respect for all the families involved, we will not be making any further comment beyond information confirmed by the relevant authorities.

Nims, and to all those who lost their lives. You will never be forgotten; your spirit, your purpose and your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."

Purja, who is regarded as one of the best to ever do it, became world famous after his feats in 2019, which saw him climb all 14 mountains with peaks above 8,000 feet in just six months, something which was the focus of his 2021 Netflix documentary.

More to follow.