- Since the early 1920s, more than 330 climbers have died on the mountain.
- It is said that 200 bodies remain on the mountain to date as it is inefficient, impractical, and dangerous to move frozen bodies, which can weigh over 136 kilos.
Image: COURTESY
The tragic death of Cheruiyot Kirui while on a mission to climb Mt. Everest serves as a poignant reminder of the extreme challenges and dangers faced by mountaineers.
The fact that he even did it without supplemental oxygen highlights his determination, courage, and relentless pursuit of a formidable goal despite the risks.
Kirui, a banker by profession, embarked on a journey to conquer the world’s highest mountain accompanied by a Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa.
Sherpa’s body is, however, yet to be located.
The news about Kirui’s death started circulating Wednesday evening, days after he started the daring mission.
The two are said to have gone out of contact Wednesday morning forcing a search team to be deployed.
Everest Today confirmed that Kirui passed on slightly above 8,000 metres to the summit.
“With profound sadness, we share the news of Kenyan mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui's passing on. His body was found a few meters below the summit point of Mt Everest,” it said.
Kirui would have been the first African to reach the summit of the mountain which is 8,849 metres above sea level.
His fascination with mountains appears to have grown over time, inspired by stories of great climbers and their conquests.
The height above 8,000 metres is known as the “death zone” as the oxygen is so limited that the body's cells start to die, and judgment becomes impaired.
Everest’s summit has approximately one-third the air pressure that exists at sea level and the chances of success are much less than when climbing without supplemental oxygen.
It lies at a latitude of about 28 degrees and straddles the borders of Nepal and China.
While he was much aware of the risks involved, Kirui was confident of coming back alive.
He studied every detail of Everest, from the perilous ice fall to the notorious "death zone".
He knew the risks were immense, but his resolve was unwavering.
“I would want to make it out alive so I will do my research, look at the options available to me, check whether I'm ready physically and gear-wise,” he said in a past interview with the Star.
“When climbing up there and you are stuck, don’t expect any help because when up there someone will be risking his or her life trying to help you,” he explained.
He needed Sh8.8 million for the expedition.
Image: COURTESY
Some five days ago, Kirui took to his social media page to give an update ahead of the journey displaying his gear and chest medicine which he needed as part of the essentials.
“A no-oxygen attempt comes with its special preparations and risks, it's no accident that only 3% of successful Everest summits are without oxygen, and that 3% is a success rate of about 30%,” he wrote.
“This attempt therefore looks a lot like a shot in the dark, but we know where the darkness is, and our shot is aimed in there. So as I send my body and spirit up there, I'll sit with the rest of you and wait in anticipation for the outcome. Naturally, the uncertainties add much more to the thrill of this undertaking,” the post further reads.
When asked about his decision to go on the mission, Kirui explained that he did not consult anyone because doing so could hinder his progress due to others' opinions.
Kirui who is also an athlete said he developed an interest in climbing high mountains in 2021.
Years of rigorous training in the highlands of Kenya and subsequent expeditions to other formidable peaks prepared Kirui for his ultimate challenge.
He has previously climbed Mt Kenya and My Kilimanjaro.
“By the time I make that decision, I've usually done a lot of research. I understand there are risks involved, but I'm not reckless,” he says.
“Involving other people can be unproductive since they lack your experience and ambition, making their perspectives less objective.”
About Mt Everest and summitters
By 2013, 6,871 summits have been recorded by 4,042 people.
By the end of 2016, there were 7,646 summits by 4,469 people.
In 2018 about 800 people summited, breaking the record for most in one year compared to 2013, in which 667 summited Mount Everest.
Deaths
Kirui’s death is not new in the mountain.
Earlier this month, two Mongolians are said to have gone missing after reaching the summit only to be found dead.
Last year, at least 600 climbers are said to have made it to the summit of the mountain, with 18 fatalities being reported making it the deadliest.
Since the early 1920s, more than 330 climbers have died on the mountain.
It is said that more than 200 bodies remain on the mountain to date.
Mt Everest is considered one of the highest mountains in the world due to harsh conditions, avalanches, rockfalls, ice fall hazards and altitude making it challenging to retrieve the bodies.
It is highly inefficient, impractical, and dangerous to move frozen bodies, which can weigh over 300 pounds or 136 kilos.