Rescuers on Broad Peak, the 8,047‑metre (26,400‑ft) Karakoram range, identified the remains of US climber Mallory Geis, a 39‑year‑old hiker from San Antonio, after an avalanche on Thursday. She was part of a ten‑person expedition that included Nepalese climber Nirmal Purja and Omani and Nepali team members.

Two other bodies – Omani explorer Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepalese climber Pur Bahadur Gurung – were also found and confirmed through police identification. The bodies were transported by helicopter to a local hospital for the legal formalities of identification.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan initially reported four bodies, later correcting that two bodies and a body part were found. Drones spotted additional survivors, but volatile weather is still hindering full assessment of their conditions.

Expedition details

The multinational team was led by renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who famously summited every 8,000‑metre peak within six months in 2019. GPS trackers from three climbers were initially active, yet one tracker was later smashed, suggesting a possible glitch.

Naila Kiani, communications lead of the Alpine Club, stated that “the chances of survival in such harsh conditions after more than 24 hours were very slim,” though she warned that “miracles do happen.”

Two rescue helicopters from the Pakistan army have been dispatched, carrying specialized staff and equipment to support the operation. The Alpine Club remains in solidarity with the families of the missing and urges continued efforts until all climbers are found.