Rescue teams in Pakistan have recovered the body of Mallory Geis, a 39-year-old climber from San Antonio, Texas, following an avalanche on Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains located on the Pakistan-China border.
Geis was part of a 10-member multinational expedition led by renowned Nepalese climber Nirmal Purja. The avalanche struck on Thursday, triggering a search and rescue operation hampered by adverse weather.
Other Victims Identified
- Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman
- Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal
The bodies of these climbers have been airlifted to a hospital in Gilgit Baltistan for identification formalities. One climber, Pakistani national Sohail Sakhi, remains unaccounted for after his GPS tracker was found damaged.
Expedition and Rescue Efforts
The Alpine Club of Pakistan initially reported locating multiple bodies and body parts, but later clarified the numbers as search teams continue to assess the situation. Helicopters deployed by the Pakistan Army have been assisting the rescue operation, which faces delays due to bad weather.
The team included notable mountaineers such as Purja, famous for scaling all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in just over six months, and Kili Pemba Sherpa, a veteran guide who has summited Everest 15 times.
Broad Peak's Challenges
Broad Peak, standing at 8,047 meters, is considered one of the more demanding climbs in the Karakoram range. Since its first successful ascent in 1957, the mountain has claimed dozens of lives, with 2013 being particularly deadly.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan expressed solidarity with the families and the international climbing community during this difficult time and continues to support ongoing rescue efforts.
