The body of mountaineer Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, the hiker who died on May 22, 2024, on Mount Everest will remain where he died following the family decision.
The family said the difficult decision was made after extensive consultations and careful consideration of all the circumstances.
“Following the death of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui on Mt. Everest on May 22, 2024, the family has made the difficult decision to let his body remain on Mt. Everest, this decision was made after extensive consultations and careful consideration of all circumstances,” they said.
Describing the situation they found themselves in as painful, the family cited the risks involved in retrieving the body.
“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,” they disclosed.
Memorial service
The family disclosed that details of the memorial service for Cheruiyot which will be held at Nairobi and Chepterit, a village in Nandi County will be communicated in due course.
“There will be a memorial service in Nairobi and Chepterit village, this will be communicated in due course,” they disclosed.
Extending gratitude, Cheruiyot’s family thanked the Seven Summit Treks and appreciated the condolence messages they received from friends and the community.
“We extend our gratitude to Seven Summit Treks for their support, information, and guidance during this time. We also pray for the family of Nawang Sherpa, Cheruiyot’s Sherpa during this expedition, who is yet to be found. May they find peace,” they stated.
“We appreciate the love and condolence messages received from relatives, friends and the outdoor community. We specifically acknowledge the massive support
“We have received from the KCB Group family where Joshua worked. We truly know that our son was loved,” the family added.
The hiker’s family also described him as someone who had a profound love for the mountains.
“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,” they said.
Cheruiyot Kirui’s death
The Forty-year-old and his Nepali guide Nawang Sherpa, 44, disappeared on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, during Mr Kirui’s bid to become the first African to climb Mt Everest without extra oxygen.
However, Nawang Sherpa is yet to be found.
Climbing Everest, the world’s highest peak, is considered extremely difficult and risky, even for experienced climbers.
Before you go…how about joining our vibrant Telegram and WhatsApp channels for hotter stories?
Telegram: https://t.me/k24tvdigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKQnFUIXnljs50pC32O
