- According to the family, Cheruiyot lost radio communication with Basecamp in the early morning of May 22, 2024, on his summit push.
- Cheruiyot's family condoled with friends, colleagues and the wider outdoor community.
Image: COURTESY
The family of mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui has spoken after their son's body was found in Mt Everest.
Cheruiyot was on a daring mission to reach the summit of Mt Everest, without supplementary oxygen.
His body was found a few meters below the summit of Mt Everest on Tuesday.
In a statement, Cheruiyot's family said they are saddened by his tragic death.
"We are all saddened by what happened to our brother Cheruiyot Kirui on Mt Everest," the statement read.
According to the family, Cheruiyot lost radio communication with Basecamp in the early morning of May 22, 2024, on his summit push.
They said he was reported missing by his expedition company and immediately a team of rescue sherpas stationed at camp 4 were dispatched to the point of last contact.
"Cheruiyot's body was discovered at an altitude of 8,800m, 48 meters from the summit. Whereas it is impossible to determine the exact sequence of events, we know that Cheruiyot and his sherpa took a fall," the family added.
Cheruiyot's family condoled with friends, colleagues and the wider outdoor community.
"The search for Nawang Sherpa continues and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family in Nepal and pray that he is found," the statement read.
The family promised to share more details about the death of Cheruiyot in due course.
The news about Cheruiyot's death started circulating Wednesday evening, days after he started the daring mission.
Cheruiyot, a banker by profession, embarked on a journey to conquer Mt Everest, the world’s highest mountain, accompanied by a Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa.
He would have been the first African to reach the summit of the mountain which is 8,849 metres above sea level.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'oei on Thursday mourned the death of the mountaineer.
Sing'oei described Kirui as a friend he knew for his adventurous spirit and determination.
"Really gutted by this news. Kirui my friend and banker at KCB passed by my office before he left for Nepal on this adventure. I have been following his exploits until this unfortunate end," Sing'oei said.
"He is a fearless, audacious spirit, and represents the indomitable will of many Kenyans. We shall miss him."
The Kenya Commercial Bank chief executive officer Paul Russo said the lender is saddened by his untimely demise.
Until his death, the CEO said Kirui was a dedicated Senior Relationships Manager – Schemes, Mortgage Division and was a valued KCB staff member.
He said Kirui who he described as a passionate athlete and mountaineer both locally and beyond will be remembered as a dedicated employee.
“We extend our words of encouragement and heartfelt prayers of strength and comfort to his family, colleagues, and loved ones as we navigate this difficult period,” Russo said.