Kenyan Mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui Found Dead Near Mt. Everest Summit

NAIROBI, KENYA — Missing Kenyan mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui has been found dead just a few meters below the summit of Mt. Everest. His body was discovered in a perilous area known as the death zone, local officials in Nepal reported.

Kirui had gone missing late Wednesday after losing contact with the Bishop Rock camp.

According to the Himalayan Times, Kirui exhibited abnormal behavior and refused to return to camp or use supplementary oxygen, as reported by Nawang Sherpa, who was climbing with him. The fate of Nawang Sherpa remains unknown.

Earlier in the week, two climbers fell near the Hillary Step on Mt. Everest. Daniel Paul Peterson from the UK and Pas Tenji Sherpa from Makalu fell when a section of the route collapsed below the summit point on Tuesday morning.

Tragedy has struck other climbers on the mountain as well. Gabriel Tabara of Romania was found dead inside his tent at Camp III on Tuesday. Additionally, Mongolian climbers Usukhjargal Tsedendamba and Prevsuren Lkhagvajav died above 8,500 meters while descending from the summit on May 13.

The discovery of Kirui’s body adds to the growing list of casualties during this climbing season on Everest, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by mountaineers attempting to reach the world's highest peak.

As the search continues for Nawang Sherpa, the climbing community mourns the loss of several experienced climbers.

The recent incidents underscore the lethal risks of high-altitude mountaineering, particularly in the death zone, where the lack of oxygen and extreme weather conditions can swiftly turn fatal.

Local officials and rescue teams in Nepal continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for climbers to adhere to safety protocols and use supplementary oxygen to mitigate the severe risks associated with such high-altitude endeavors.