The body of a Kenyan climber who died while attempting to be the first African to climb Mount Everest without extra oxygen will remain on the mountain, his family has said.
40-year-old, Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, who died on a daring mission to reach the peak of Mount Everest fell into a crevasse about 48m (160ft) below the 8,849m peak, along with his Nepalese guide, Nawang Sherpa.
Nawang Sherpa is still missing.
According to reports, Kirui’s family suggested that his body be left on the mountain as retrieving his body poses a risk for the rescue team.
However, Nepal’s tourism department officials stated that leaving dead bodies on the mountain is against the law.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kirui’s family said they had taken the “difficult” decision to let his remains rest on the mountain after wide consultations and “careful consideration of all the circumstances”.
“Retrieving his body from that high up would be risky for the rescue team, the family does not wish to endanger any life,” it said.
“Cheruiyot had a deep love for the mountains and they loved him in return. We find solace in knowing that he is resting in his happy place,” it added.
The family has arranged a memorial service in his honour in Nairobi and and in his Chepterit village, in Rift Valley region.
So far the bodies of nearly 200 out of 330 climbers who have died on Mount Everest remain there. Four climbers have died so far this season.
Most people climb the mountain during favourable weather conditions
