Athletics

Family confirms details of Kenyan Climber Cheruiyot Kirui’s death on Mt Everest

Kenyan Mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui ascends Mt Everest in April 2024. (Photo/Cheruiyot Kirui)

By Rama Mohammed | Friday, May 24, 2024

The family has confirmed details of Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui’s tragic demise on Mt Everest and extended condolences and prayers for missing Sherpa guide's safe return.

The family of Kenyan mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui has received information regarding his tragic death on Mt Everest and has issued a statement extending their condolences to all affected.

In the press statement released today, the family confirmed that Cheruiyot Kirui lost radio communication with basecamp early morning on May 22, 2024, during his summit push. He was reported missing by his expedition company, leading to immediate search efforts.

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The family confirmed that Cheruiyot's body was discovered at an altitude of 8,800 meters, 48 meters from the summit. While the exact sequence of events leading to his demise remains unclear, it was revealed that Cheruiyot and his Sherpa guide, Nawang Sherpa, encountered a fatal fall during their expedition.

"We are all saddened by what happened to our son and brother, Cheruiyot Kirui on Mt. Everest," the family stated in their press release. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends, colleagues, and the wider outdoor community."

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE DEMISE OF JOSHUA CHERUIYOT KIRUI ON MT. EVEREST EXPEDITION

We are all saddened by what happened to our son and brother, Cheruiyot Kirui on Mt. Everest.

What we know:

Cheruiyot lost radio communication with basecamp early morning of May 22, 2024 on… pic.twitter.com/h2h1i8Up1S
— Mountain Stories (@j_muhia) May 24, 2024

The family also expressed their sympathies to the family of Nawang Sherpa, whose search continues. "We pray for Nawang Sherpa's safe return, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family in Nepal," they added.

Cheruiyot Kirui, a banker working with KCB, had embarked on the daring quest to climb the world's highest peak without the use of supplemental oxygen. His passion for mountaineering developed during a work boot camp at Outward Bound Training Centre in Kajiado County. He had climbed Mt Kenya more than 15 times and scaled Kilimanjaro.

The family concluded their statement by thanking everyone for their support during this difficult time. "More information will be shared in due course," they assured.