The family of the late mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui has made a solemn decision regarding his final resting place atop Mt Everest.

Cheruiyot met his fate on May 22, 2024, during a daring ascent of Mt Everest, opting to brave the summit without supplemental oxygen. Tragically, he and his Nepali guide suffered a fall, leading to his discovery 48 meters below the summit.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, his family disclosed their painstaking choice to leave his remains on the mountain after thorough consultations. They cited the perilous nature of retrieving the body, acknowledging the risk it would pose to rescue teams and the potential to imperil more lives.

“After the passing of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui on Mt Everest, May 22, 2024, the family has made the poignant decision to let his body remain on the mountain. This resolution was reached after extensive deliberation and consideration of all factors,” the family statement conveyed.

Cheruiyot’s descent into a crevasse, a mere 48 meters shy of the 8,848-meter summit, presented formidable challenges for recovery efforts.

The family emphasized their reluctance to jeopardize any lives in the retrieval mission, noting Cheruiyot’s profound affinity for the mountains and finding solace in his final resting place among them.

Kenyan man climbing Mt Everest found dead hours after going missing

Nevertheless, the family announced plans for a memorial service in both Nairobi and Chepterit village, with details regarding date, venue, and time to be announced in the future.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of condolences from relatives, friends, and the outdoor community,” they expressed.

Acknowledging the support from KCB Group, Cheruiyot’s former employer, the family underscored Cheruiyot’s ambitious quest to conquer Mt Everest, accompanied by Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa.

Cheruiyot aimed to become the first African to summit the 8,849-meter peak, having previously conquered Mt Kenya’s summit on fifteen occasions.

As they await updates on Sherpa’s whereabouts, the family extended prayers for his well-being and solace to his kin during this trying period.

For those inclined to offer support, the family provided details for contributions through Paybill: 522533, Account: 9229224, Name: Cheruiyot Kirui Fundraising Cheruiyot’s Family.