Memorial service held for mountaineer Nirmal Purja after avalanche death
A memorial service was held for renowned mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, who died in an avalanche.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A memorial service was held today for Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, the celebrated mountaineer who died in an avalanche in Pakistan last week. The service took place at Aldershot Garrison, the home of the British Army, where Purja once served as a Gurkha and special forces soldier. Nine other climbers also died in the avalanche.
Purja, 43, was known worldwide for his record-breaking feats. In 2019 he climbed all 14 of the world's highest peaks in just over six months, smashing the previous record by seven years. His achievements were documented in a widely acclaimed film that also highlighted the often overlooked role of Sherpas in high-altitude mountaineering. He was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his services to mountaineering.
At the service, Purja's brother spoke of his pride and grief. 'Giving up is not in the blood, sir. It's not in the blood,' he said. 'I think he has reached the top, but he wanted to find out what is the top and top.' In Kathmandu, Buddhist chants and prayers were offered, and a fellow adventurer paid tribute: 'Nims will never be forgotten. So many people love and admire you.'
Purja's legacy, his brother added, endures: 'I know my brother not with me, not with us, but then his legacy and what he has is here.'
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| He climbed the world's 14 highest peaks in 2019 in just over six months, smashing the previous record by seven years. | |
| He was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his services to high-altitude mountaineering. | |
| Nirmal Purja died in an avalanche in Pakistan that also killed nine others. | |
| Purja was a former Gurkha and special forces soldier. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focused on the military setting of the memorial and Purja's background as a Gurkha and special forces soldier, emphasising the pride and grief of his family. It also highlighted his record-breaking climbs and the global reach of his story, including tributes from Kathmandu and a fellow adventurer. The tone was respectful and celebratory of his achievements.
- “Giving up is not in the blood, sir. It's not in the blood.”
- “I think he has reached the top, but he wanted to find out what is the top and top.”
- “Nims will never be forgotten.”
Broadcast Timeline
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