In a difficult decision, the family of mountaineer Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui,  has chosen to leave his body on Mount Everest after he tragically fell into a crevasse just 48 meters from the summit (8,848 metres ) on May 22, 2024.

Cheruiyot, a passionate mountain climber, attempted the adventurous climb without supplementry oxygen.This show his profound love for the mountains and his pursuit of pushing human limits.

His family thought on the extreme risks involved in retrieving his body from such a high altitude, acknowledging that any attempt would endanger the lives of rescue teams.

“We find solace in knowing he rests in his happy place,” they stated. “The mountains were what he loved his life, and now they have become his eternal resting place.”

The decision reflects the family’s deep respect for his spirit of adventure and his connection to the mountains he loved so much.

It also show the dangerous nature of high-altitude mountaineering, where the risk of death is a constant companion.

Cheruiyot Kirui, who was employed by KCB Group, was well-known in the outdoors community for his mountain climbing achievements.

His family expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolence messages from relatives, friends, and the wider outdoor community.

“We appreciate the love and condolence messages received from relatives, friends, and the outdoors community,” they said.

“We also acknowledge the massive support we received from the KCB Group family.” They then added, “We truly know our son was loved.”

However, in addition to this sad event, Nawang Sherpa, his Sherpa guide during the expedition, has not been found.

The disappearance of Nawang Sherpa adds another layer of sorrow to this tragedy. Over time Cheruiyot and Nawang are not the only victims that everest has claimed their lives showing the relentless and unforgiving nature of Everest.

Cheruiyot’s legacy as a passionate and fearless climber will live on in the hearts of many who knew him.

His story serves as a reminder of the extreme challenges faced by those who dare to conquer the highest records and human limits.

His family, friends and colleagues mourn his loss, they take comfort in the fact that he died doing what he loved most.

Apparently, bodies of about 200 out of 330 climbers who have been on Mt Everest have been left there. Retrieving a body is a very risk activity for the rescuers and it costs about Kshs9 million. According to reports, it would also take about 8 people to properly carry a body from the Mountain’s Summit. Due to this, most families prefer to leave bodies of their relatives at the mountain as their final resting place.

Also Read:“Its Like A Shot In The Dark” Cheruiyot Kirui’s Last Post Before His Death At Mt. Everest