Cheruiyot Kirui, a Kenyan banker and experienced mountain climber, who tragically lost his life during a daring mission on Mount Everest, has been remembered as a humble individual.

Despite being a seasoned mountaineer, Kirui embarked on the daunting challenge of climbing the world’s tallest peak without supplemental oxygen. He understood the risks involved, including the potential onset of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to increased pressure from constricted blood vessels.

Aware of these dangers, Kirui equipped himself with Nifedipine, a medication that could help alleviate symptoms by relaxing the heart muscles and blood vessels if HAPE were to strike during the ascent.

“With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Kenyan mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui on Mount Everest. His body was discovered just a few meters below the summit. He was on a daring mission to conquer the peak without supplemental oxygen, accompanied by Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa, whose whereabouts remain unknown,” stated Everest Today in a tribute message.

Sadly, he died when he was 850m shy of the peak; Everest is 8,850m tall.

Tragically, a 48-year-old Romanian climber on the same route, also attempting the ascent without supplemental oxygen, was found deceased inside his tent.

According to accounts from fellow climbers, Kirui had his companion Sherpa carry oxygen as a precautionary measure for emergencies during their journey.