Athletics

Family decides to leave Cheruiyot Kirui’s body on Mt Everest

Kenyan Mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui ascends Mt Everest in April 2024. (Photo/Cheruiyot Kirui)

By Rama Mohammed | Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Cheruiyot Kirui’s family confirms they have decided to let his body remain on Mt Everest to avoid endangering rescuers.

The family of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, the Kenyan mountaineer who tragically died on Mt Everest on May 22, 2024, has made the difficult decision to let his body remain on the mountain. After extensive consultations and careful consideration of all circumstances, the family concluded that attempting to retrieve his body would be too risky for the rescue team.

Cheruiyot fell into a crevasse just 48 meters from the summit at an altitude of 8,848 meters.

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"Retrieving his body from that high up would be risky for the rescue team, and the family does not wish to endanger any life," the family stated.

Pole sana to the family. If this is how a crevasse looks like the wueh! Lord! pic.twitter.com/FelXMK8MHT
— Rico (@Tycn777) May 29, 2024

The family expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of love and condolences from relatives, friends, and the outdoor community. They specifically acknowledged the massive support received from the KCB Group family, where Joshua worked.

"We truly know that our son was loved," the family stated.

Cheruiyot Kirui had embarked on an ambitious quest to summit Everest without using supplemental oxygen, a feat not previously achieved by any African climber. His passion for mountaineering was sparked during a work boot camp at Outward Bound Training Centre in Kajiado County. He had climbed Mt Kenya more than 15 times and scaled Kilimanjaro.

The family also extended their gratitude to Seven Summit Treks for their support, information, and guidance during this difficult time. They expressed their sympathies to the family of Nawang Sherpa, Cheruiyot’s Sherpa guide, who is still missing. "May they find peace," the family added.

A memorial service will be held in Nairobi and Chepterit village, with details to be communicated in due course.