4 climbers dead on Mount Everest, 1 missing; ice collapse among factors cited

A British climber and his guide, a Kenyan banker, and a Nepalese climber are dead, and one other guide remained missing Friday following multiple incidents this week including an ice collapse on Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain.

Daniel Paul Paterson, 40, and his guide, Pastenji Sherpa, 23, disappeared when an ice collapse took place Tuesday as the pair the descended the mountain, 8K Expeditions, the company that put the expedition together, posted on Instagram. The duo, who reached the summit before their deaths, was part of a 15-member team on the same climb with the climb company based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

“Eyewitnesses reported the incident took place between Summit Ridge and South Summit and some climbers were swept away in Kangshung Face,” the adventure company wrote. "We remember and honor their enduring spirits and extend our deepest condolences to their grieving families."

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Kenyan climber's guide remains missing

In a separate incident 40-year-old Kenyan Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui and his 44-year-old guide Nawang Sherpa, vanished Wednesday morning on the 29,032-foot mountain.

"The team have found the Kenyan climber dead between the summit and the Hillary Step, but his guide is still missing," CBS News reported Khim Lal Gautam, a Nepalese government official, told AFP.

Another Nepali climber, 37-year-old Binod Babu Bastakoti, died at 26,902 feet on Wednesday, the outlet reported, citing a statement from Nepal Department of Tourism.

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Friends, government officials express condolences for dead climbers

Sherpa was dedicated climber with "impressive climbs under his belt" including two on Mt. Everest, as well as the second highest mountain earth, K2, and Amadablam, another mountain in Nepal, the adventure company wrote in its post. "His warm spirit, kindness, and outstanding expertise made him one of the premier guides at 8K Expeditions.'

An experience climber, known for his "robust fitness, uplifting positivity, and strong determination" Paterson had "successfully summited" Island Peak and Amadablam previously and tackled Everest "with intense preparation and determination."

Kenyan foreign ministry secretary, Korir Sing'oei expressed condolences on X for Kirui, who he called his friend.

"Really gutted by this news," Sing'oei wrote on social media. "I have been following his exploits until this unfortunate end. He is a fearless, audacious spirit, and represents the indomitable will of many Kenyans. We shall miss him."

According to an X post by fellow climber James Muhia, Kirui lost radio contact the early morning of May 22 while climbing. His body was discovered at at 48 meters from the summit.

"I have found myself shedding tears this morning after confirmation that my brother @cheruiyot_ak has rested on the mountain," Muhia wrote Thursday "It is a sad day. Our brother is now one with the mountain. It will be a difficult time. Go well my brother."

Prior to Kirui's death, the Kenyan climber also posted updates about the climb on social media.

In a May 17 Instagram post, Kirui wrote, “My plan...A no-oxygen attempt comes with it's special preparations and risks, physically my body is ready.”

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 4 climbers dead on Mount Everest, 1 missing