During the final stages of the climbing season on Nepal’s Mount Everest, officials and acquaintances have reported at least three fatalities.
Cheruiyot Kirui, a senior relationship manager at KCB Group, previously known as Kenya Commercial Bank, lost his life during his expedition on the mountain, as confirmed by his employer.
His body was discovered on Mount Everest, according to Khim Lal Gautam, a government official stationed at the base camp. Retrieving the body poses challenges due to the high altitude and low oxygen levels.
KCB stated that Kirui passed away while attempting to summit Everest, with the incident occurring either Wednesday or Thursday.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, expressed condolences on social media, describing Kirui as a fearless and determined individual who embodied the spirit of many Kenyans.
Additionally, Nawang Sherpa, a guide accompanying Kirui, has been reported missing.
Further, Daniel Paul Paterson from the U.K. and Pastenji Sherpa from Nepal are feared dead after successfully reaching the summit and descending on Tuesday, as per a joint statement from Everest guide Lakpa Sherpa and 8k Expeditions on Thursday via their Instagram accounts.
They went missing following a cornice collapse near Hillary Step, and their bodies have not been recovered. However, government officials have yet to confirm their deaths.