A Netflix sar has tragically been confirmed to have died after a search was conducted for missing hikers ollowing an avalanache in Pakistan
Spencer Matthews and Nirmal Purja (Image: Disney/PA)
A renowned British Gurkha and Netflix star has been confirmed to have died after an avalanche struck on one of the world’s highest mountains. Former Made In Chelsea star and endurance athlete Spencer Matthews had been praying for the star before the worst was confirmed.
Nirmal Purja, known as Nims, had leading an expedition on the world’s 12th-highest peak when the avalanche struck on Thursday. The former British Army and Royal Marines soldier had been leading a 10-strong team on the 8,051m Broad Peak in northern Pakistan.
After news of the avalanche became known and a search for Nims got under way, Spencer said he is praying “for a miracle”. Nims’ death was confirmed after several others from the group had been rescued and the search went on with the support of military helicopters.
Nims had previously appeared with Mr Matthews in the 2023 documentary Finding Michael. In it, cameras followed the expedition to Mount Everest in search of the former Made In Chelsea star’s late brother, Michael, who disappeared there in 1999.
Prior to the confirmation of Nims’ death, Spencer shared a photo with the mountaineer on Instagram. He said the news from Broad Peak was “heartbreaking”.
Spencer, 37, said: “The mountains inspire us with their beauty but they also demand immense respect. Every person who ventures into that world understands the risks, yet they go anyway, driven by curiosity, purpose, passion, and a deep love for the places few will ever experience.
“The news from Broad Peak is heartbreaking. So many lives, families, friends and teammates now facing unimaginable loss.Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
“May those who have been lost be remembered not only for how they died, but for how they lived, the courage they showed, and the lived they touched. Rest in peace. To those not yet found, we pray for a miracle.”
Spencer and Nims were joined by Bear Grylls when they tried to recover the body of Spencer’s brother Michael. He had became the youngest Briton to summit Everest, but later disappeared on the mountain in 1999. Despite searching with a team, sadly, they weren’t able to locate Michael.
Bear, 52, wrote on Instagram today: “Heartbreaking news for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man. We will never forget you Nims and your unstoppable spirit.”
Nims rose to prominence in 2019. He successfully climbed all 14 of the world’s mountains with peaks above 8,000 metres (26,247ft) in 189 days.
The feat smashed the previous record by more than seven days. It later became the focus of a Netflix documentary titled 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
He said at the time: “It has been a gruelling but humbling six months, and I hope to have proven that anything is possible with some determination, self-belief and positivity.”
Purja’s death was confirmed by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who said today that “the tragic death of six Nepalese and four other foreign climbers, including world record holder Nirmal Purja, in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan, has shocked us”.
In a statement, Purja’s older brother Kamal said: “It is with the heaviest heart that I share the devastating news that my beloved younger brother, Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, and the other climbers are no longer with us. Although our hearts are broken, we are incredibly proud of you. Your legacy will live forever.”
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