Cheruiyot Kirui, a Kenyan banker working for KCB Group, has died on Mt Everest, expedition officials revealed.
It is hinted that Cheruiyot was backpacking the tallest mountain in an attempt to test his human limits.
On May 22, 2024, climber Cheruiyot Kirui and his Sherpa guide went missing above 8000m. The expedition team says they ought to have submitted on Tuesday, May 21, but were last heard from on Wednesday.
Daring Mt Everest
In addition, a Romanian climber, Gabriel Viorel Tabara (48), was found dead in his tent near camp 3 (7,470m), just before attempting the summit of Lhotse to the north of Everest without supplemental oxygen.
It was reported that he completed acclimatization and several rotations in preparation for the summit push.
The Romanian climber is the third victim this season of the expeditions on the highest mountain peak in the world, Everest.
“Gabriel and his Sherpa guide had a normal day and went to their tents as climbers usually do. But Gabriel never woke up ,” Mohan Lamsal, the organizer of Gabriel’s trip said.
The Romanian mountaineer’s expedition to Mount Everest lasted more than two months. Medical examiners will determine the cause of death after the man’s lifeless body is recovered by authorities.
Netizens Reactions
The news of Kirui’s death has taken many Kenyans by surprise and several netizens have shared their insights as they wait for more updates from authorities.
Below are some of their reactions:
Very unfortunate. Sherpas themselves who are adapted to high altitude low oxygen conditions form the biggest percentage of deaths from climbing without oxygen. These people were born and grew up there. Our Kenyan climber acclimatized for a month.
— Tita Ket (@tita_miti) May 22, 2024
Remembering the grit of Beck Weathers and thinking, Cheruiyot Kirui who has climbed so many arduous mountains, has the same grit, if not more. Everest is a beautiful monster. But we’re taught it’s not about conquering the mountain, it’s about conquering ourselves. I have faith 🙌🏽
— Wordslinger | Kas Ka Gan | Mother of Dragons (@Wordslinger__) May 22, 2024
I don’t think I’ll understand why anyone would go climbing everest where route markers are scattered corpses. I wish Mr. Cheruiyot safe return lakini huu ni ule mwiba
— kibet kaiyoni (@kaiyoni_kibet) May 22, 2024
The case of a banker by the name Cheruiyot Kirui who has gone missing while climbing Mt Everest has made me wonder why the rich people like engaging in risky activities that can end their lives. Do you remember those five billionaires who perished in submarine while on their way…
— Manoti (@MwendiaJnr) May 22, 2024
I’m seeing posts that Cheruiyot Kirui has gone missing on Mt. Everest in his attempt to conquer the mountain.
— 4Low KE (@4low_Ke) May 22, 2024
I really hope this isn’t true 🤦♀️ pic.twitter.com/z2FggDEQmS
