By Veronicah Stellah
Thursday,30th May 2024
The body of Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui, who perished while attempting to summit Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen, will remain on the world’s highest mountain. His family announced this decision on Wednesday, concluding speculation about whether his remains would be returned home.
In a statement to the media, the family explained that, after extensive consultations and careful consideration, they decided not to risk additional lives by attempting a retrieval. “Cheruiyot fell into a crevasse 48 meters from the summit (8,848 meters), and retrieving his body from that high up would be risky for the rescue team. The family does not wish to endanger any life,” said James Muhia, a close friend of Kirui, in the statement.
“Cheruiyot had a profound love for the mountains, and they loved him in return. We find solace in knowing he rests in his happy place,” the statement continued.
The family also expressed their condolences to the family of Nawang Sherpa, Cheruiyot’s guide, who remains missing.
A memorial service will be held in Nairobi and Chepterit village, with details to be announced soon.
According to the Nepali mountaineering news website Everest Today, Kirui’s body was found a few meters below the summit of Mount Everest. “He was on a daring mission to reach the summit without supplemental oxygen and was accompanied by Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa, whose fate is still unknown,” reported the website on Thursday.
Kirui, who worked as a banker with the Kenya Commercial Bank, went missing along with his guide, Sherpa.
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