Missing banker and mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui was on Thursday May 23 found dead, just 48 metres from the summit of Mt Everest. He attempted to climb without supplemental oxygen. a no mean feat considering the mission’s survival rate is less than 40% compared to 80% with oxygen.
But what led to his tragic end?
According to mountain climber and entrepreneur James Muhia, Cheruiyot and his Sherpa guide, Nawang Sherpa, suffered a fatal fall.
In a statement on his Mountain Stories X account, Muhia said that Cheruiyot, who had climbed Mt. Kenya three times, and who was known as the daredevil, was just 48 meters from the Everest summit when the accident occurred.
“Whereas it is not possible to determine the exact sequence of events, we know that Cheruiyot and his Sherpa guide, Nawang Sherpa, took a fall,” Muhia said.
Cheruiyot lost radio communication with basecamp early on Wednesday, May 22, during his summit push. He was subsequently reported missing by his expedition company, prompting a team of rescue Sherpas stationed at Camp 4 to search for him.
“Cheruiyot’s body was discovered at an altitude of 8,800m, 48 meters from the summit,” Muhia said.
Cheruiyot Kirui’s Guard Still Missing
Muhia extended his condolences to Cheruiyot’s friends, colleagues, and the wider outdoor community. He also noted that the search for Nawang Sherpa is still ongoing and expressed heartfelt condolences to Nawang Sherpa’s family in Nepal.
“We pray that he is found,” Muhia added.
Previously, Muhia and Cheruiyot had undergone rigorous training for their Everest climb. In a photo shared by Muhia, the two are seen at the summit of Mt Manaslu (8,163m) on September 24, 2023.
“We climbed this mountain without supplemental oxygen and Sherpa support. It was a climb to prepare us for Mt Everest,” Muhia said.
Muhia had planned to accompany Cheruiyot on the Everest expedition but withdrew three weeks prior due to personal reasons.
“I trusted him with my life on Manaslu. I did not have any doubts about Everest. He has accomplished things that I can only admire. Some I am sure I will never accomplish,” Muhia said.
“As you air your opinions on risks and all, it’s important to remember who he is and what he has accomplished. We choose to honor him for who he is.”
Nepal officials estimate that about 200 bodies remain scattered across Everest. The extreme conditions make survival difficult and recovery of bodies even harder.
The “death zone” above 8,000 meters has low oxygen levels, severe cold, and high winds. Climbers face frostbite, hypoxia, and exhaustion. These harsh conditions can turn a minor mishap into a fatal disaster.
Retrieving bodies from Everest is a formidable task. The altitude and treacherous terrain require significant resources and manpower. The risk to rescuers is high, often making recovery missions unfeasible. The bodies serve as grim reminders of the mountain’s dangers.
By Vivian K.