Cheruiyot Kirui's Family Decides To Leave His Body On Everest: "Don't Want To Endanger Lives"

• Cheruiyot Kirui, a Kenyan banker who died while scaling Mount Everest, will not be repatriated to Kenya
• The family announced the hard decision after comprehensive consultations and deemed attempts to retrieve his body too risky
• However, the family said they found solace knowing Cheruiyot rested in a place he loved

The family of Cheruiyot Kirui, a Kenyan who died while scaling Mount Everest, has opted not to repatriate his body.

Why will Cheruiyot Kirui rest on Everest?

The family affirmed in a press release on Wednesday, May 30, that the adventurer would rest on the mountain.

According to the presser, the decision was arrived upon to avoid endangering more lives to retrieve his remains.

“This decision was made after extensive consultations and careful consideration of all circumstances. Cheruiyot fell into a crevasse 48 meters from the summit, and retrieving his body from that high up would be risky for the rescue team; the family does not wish to endanger any life.”

Cheruiyot’s family further noted that he loved the mountains and found solace in knowing he rested in a happy place.

“We appreciate the love and condolence messages received from relatives, friends and the outdoor community.”

The family also appreciated the assistance Cheruiyot’s employer, the Kenya Commercial Bank, accorded them.

“We truly know that our son was loved,” they wrote while announcing memorial services in Nairobi and his upcountry home in Chepterit, Nandi county.

The family also pledged contributions through pay bill 522533, account 9229224, under Cheruiyot Kirui Fundraising.

Kenyans reacted to the announcement by writing:

Hellen Muturi:

“That was the best decision they have ever made. Why get him out of where he cherished to get to? Rest in the mountain, Cheruiyot.”

Dorcas Tarus:

"May God comfort his family."

Janns Sangiey:

“Rest well, champion. You dared your fears and intrigues. You died doing what you loved.”

Mum Sherry:

“The most painful decision to the parents.”

How did Cheruiyot Kirui go missing on Mt Everest?

According to expedition organisers, Kirui and his guide went missing at the 'death zone' (above 8,000m) on Everest.

News of of the missing banker prompted an outpouring of prayers from Kenyans.

Sadly, he never made it.

What you need to know about Cheruiyot's death

• The late Cheruiyot lost radio communication with basecamp the early morning of May 22, 2024.
• Cheruiyot Kirui's body is now lying frozen a few metres from the peak where he was found dead; to retrieve a body would have cost millions.
• The family reflected on his remarkable journey and the passion for climbing from a young age.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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Cheruiyot Kirui's parents.

See how Kenyans Encouraged Cheruiyot Kirui's Family after Heavy

Cheruiyot Kirui's Family Decides to Leave His Body On Everest: "Don't