Purja, 43, was leading an international expedition on Pakistan's Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, when the avalanche struck at around midday on Thursday. A ground team recovered the bodies of Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa and Kili Pemba Sherpa, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said. F Lance Corporal Nirmal Purja with his MBE, following an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The company said: "Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. Nirmal Purja on the summit of Everest.