A British climber and his guide, a Kenyan banker, and a Nepalese climber were killed, and one other guide was missing Friday, following a series of mishaps this week, including an ice collapse on Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak.
Daniel Paul Paterson, 40, and his guide, Pastenji Sherpa, 23, went missing Tuesday as they descended the mountain, according to an Instagram post by 8K Expeditions, the business that organized the adventure. The couple, who reached the peak before their deaths, were members of a 15-person party on the same trip with the Kathmandu, Nepal-based climb company.
The tour operator tweeted, “Eyewitnesses reported the incident took place between Summit Ridge and South Summit, with some climbers swept away in Kangshung Face.” “We remember and honor their enduring spirits, and we extend our deepest condolences to their grieving families.”
Kenyan climber’s guide remains missing
On Wednesday morning, Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, a 40-year-old Kenyan, and his guide Nawang Sherpa, 44, went missing on the 29,032-foot mountain in a separate incident.
According to CBS News, the Nepalese government official, Khim Lal Gautam, has reported that the Kenyan climber has been found dead between the summit and the Hillary Step. However, the guide accompanying the climber is still missing.
A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when a Nepali climber named Binod Babu Bastakoti lost his life at an altitude of 26,902 feet. The Nepal Department of Tourism released a statement confirming the unfortunate news.
Friends, government officials express condolences for dead climbers
Sherpa, an accomplished climber with a remarkable list of achievements, had successfully conquered numerous mountains, including two ascents of Mt. Everest, the second tallest peak on Earth, as well as K2, the world’s second highest mountain, and Amadablam, another challenging peak in Nepal. According to the adventure company, Sherpa’s impressive track record, combined with his warm personality, kindness, and exceptional expertise, made him one of the top guides at 8K Expeditions.
Paterson, an experienced climber, is renowned 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 resolve. Now, he has set his sights on conquering Everest.
Kenyan Foreign Ministry Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, expressed his condolences for Kirui, whom he referred to as his friend.
Sing’oei expressed deep sorrow and disappointment upon learning this news on social media. Sing’oei had been closely following the remarkable journey of the individual involved until this unfortunate conclusion. Sing’oei described them as a courageous and bold individual who exemplified the unwavering determination shared by many Kenyans. Their absence will be deeply felt.
Fellow climber James Muhia revealed in a recent post that Kirui had lost radio contact during his climb on the early morning of May 22. Tragically, his body was found 48 meters from the summit.
“I couldn’t help but shed tears this morning upon receiving the news that my brother @cheruiyot_ak has passed away on the mountain,” Muhia expressed on Thursday. “It’s a somber day for us. Our dear brother has become one with the mountain. The days ahead will undoubtedly be challenging. Farewell, my brother.”
Before Kirui passed away, 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 no-oxygen attempt, but it requires special preparations and comes with its own risks.”