Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who captivated the world with his record-breaking ascent of all 14 of the planet’s 8,000-metre peaks in just over six months, died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan. He was 43.

Purja was among a 10-member expedition team attempting to summit Broad Peak when an avalanche struck on last Thursday. His death was confirmed today by Elite Exped, the expedition company. Pakistani mountaineering authorities said four bodies were recovered from the mountain yesterday.