By Marline Atieno
The mountaineering community and the nation of Kenya are in mourning following the tragic death of renowned climber Cheruiyot Kirui, who was found dead while attempting to summit Mount Everest.
The 36-year-old Kirui, known for his daring spirit and numerous climbing achievements, was on a mission to reach the pinnacle of the world’s highest peak when he encountered fatal difficulties.
Mingma Sherpa, CEO of Seven Summit Treks (SST), stated that Kirui and Nawang began their ascent without the use of supplemental oxygen, a daring and hazardous choice even for seasoned climbers.
“Kirui displayed unusual behaviour with his guide before they lost communication,” Mingma Sherpa told local authorities, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Kirui’s body was discovered by fellow climbers near the South Col, a high-altitude area notorious for its perilous conditions.
Preliminary reports suggest that Kirui may have succumbed to extreme weather conditions and the physical toll of the high altitude, though the exact circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation.
Kirui’s attempt to scale Everest was part of a larger expedition involving climbers from various countries.
The expedition faced numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather and the inherent dangers of high-altitude climbing.
In response to the disappearance, SST quickly launched a search and rescue mission.
Two Sherpa rescuers were sent to traverse the dangerous terrain above the balcony area, facing extreme altitudes and unpredictable weather as they searched for Kirui and Nawang.
Despite the discouraging challenges, the search team remains resolute and committed to rescuing the climbers.
The incident has intensified worries about the safety of climbers on Mount Everest, especially following recent tragedies.
Earlier this season, 48-year-old Romanian climber Gabriel Tabara was discovered dead in his tent at Camp III.
Similar to Kirui, Tabara was attempting the climb without supplemental oxygen, highlighting the lethal dangers involved in such endeavours.