Cheruiyot's family confirms that his body will remain on Mt Everest

The family of the late mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui has said his body will remain on Mt Everest.

Cheruiyot died on May 22, 2024, while on a daring mission to reach the summit of Mt Everest without supplementary oxygen.

His body was found 48 meters below the summit after he and his Nepali guide took a fall, the family said.

In a statement on Wednesday, his family said they arrived at the difficult decision to let his remains rest on the mountain after wide consultations.

They said this is because retrieving the body would be risky for the rescue team and would endanger more lives.

"Following the death of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui on Mt Everest on May 22, 2024, the family has made the difficult decision to let his body remain on Mt Everest. This decision was made after extensive consultations and careful consideration of all circumstances," the family statement read in part.

The family said Cheruiyot fell into a crevasse, 48 meters from the summit which is at 8,848 meters.

"Retrieving his body from that high up would be risky for the rescue team, the family does not wish to endanger any life. Cheruiyot had a profound love for the mountains, and they loved him in return. We find solace in knowing he rests in his happy place."

The family, however, said there will be a memorial service in Nairobi and Chepterit village.

The date, venue and time for the memorial service will be communicated in due course, it added.

"The family is grateful for the condolence message received from relatives, friends and the outdoor community."

They further thanked KCB Group, Chruoyot's former employer, for standing with them.

Cheruiyot had embarked on a journey to conquer Mt Everest, the world’s highest mountain, accompanied by a Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa.

He would have been the first African to reach the summit of the mountain which is 8,849 metres above sea level.

Cheruiyot had climbed to the peak of Mt Kenya 15 times.

His family extended their prayers to Sherpa's family as they await news on their kin who is yet to be found.

They prayed that his family find peace during this difficult time.

Cheruiyot's family asked well-wishers who may want to support the family to do so through Paybill: 522533 Account: 9229224 Name: Cheruiyot Kirui Fundraising Cheruiyot's Family.