Why Cheruiyot Kirui's Body Could be Left on Mt. Everest

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Kenyan mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui tragically died while attempting to summit Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen, with his body found near the summit and recovery posing significant challenges.

• Recovering bodies from Everest is complex and costly due to extreme conditions and logistical difficulties, with alternative methods like using Sherpa teams often employed.

Kenyan mountaineer Cheruiyot Kirui, a seasoned climber who had ascended Mt. Kenya 15 times, tragically passed away while attempting to summit Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen. 

Kirui's body was discovered a few meters below the summit point, while Nawang Sherpa, a Nepali climber who accompanied him, was still missing at the time of this report.

The recovery of bodies from Mt. Everest poses significant logistical challenges. Despite the extreme cold preserving bodies, they remain subject to natural elements like high winds, ice, and snow. 

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The cold temperatures, which can drop as low as -60 degrees Celsius (-76 degrees Fahrenheit), help preserve bodies for many years, keeping them almost perfectly intact. 

However, Kirui's loved ones may face the heartbreaking reality that his body might never be recovered for burial.

Kirui had ascended past 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level into the "death zone," where climbers face extreme cold, dangerously low oxygen levels, and inhospitable conditions. 

In this zone, climbers must vigilantly monitor their physical and mental states to mitigate the severe risks.

Recovering a body from Everest's peak is a massive endeavor requiring a well-coordinated team of climbers and specialized equipment, often taking days or even weeks depending on conditions. 

Each additional person and piece of equipment increase the mission's risk and complexity. 

Despite the preservation by cold, bodies are still subject to natural elements, such as high winds, ice, and snow, which can gradually erode and damage them over time.

The cost of recovering bodies from Mt. Everest can vary widely, with estimates ranging between $30,000 and $70,000 as of 2016. 

Factors influencing the cost include the body's location, the availability of skilled personnel, and the required equipment.

Helicopters, commonly used in search and rescue operations in other mountainous regions, are not feasible for recovering bodies from Everest's death zone. 

The extreme altitude, cold temperatures, high winds, and rugged terrain make helicopter operations nearly impossible. 

Instead, alternative methods are employed, such as using experienced Sherpa teams or manually carrying bodies down from the death zone. 

Helicopters may assist from lower altitudes, but this approach is limited by the altitude at which they can safely operate.

Glacial movement and avalanches can relocate bodies from their original locations, sometimes causing them to reappear years later. 

Despite preservation by cold, bodies are still affected by natural elements. High winds, ice, and snow can erode and damage bodies, clothing, and equipment over time.

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Cheruiyot Kirui's passion for mountaineering was evident in his numerous expeditions and his active Instagram feed, which showcased his love for the mountains. 

His tragic passing on Mt. Everest leaves a void in the mountaineering community and among his loved ones.