Remembering Nawang Sherpa: The Everest Climber Who Died Out of Loyalty

Nawang Sherpa gave his life on Everest because he refused to abandon his ailing, disoriented client near the summit. Despite his extraordinary sacrifice, Nawang’s bravery went largely unrecognized.

Jon Mills, a UK climber on a different Everest expedition, felt compelled to share a story that has haunted him since he returned from the summit. Mills and his Sherpa guide, Furinji were the last to see Nawang alive. They encountered him standing resolutely beside his client, Cheruiyot Kirui from Kenya, both of them staring into the void.

For nearly two hours, Kirui—determined to climb without supplemental oxygen despite the severe effects of altitude sickness—rejected the life-saving oxygen that Nawang desperately tried to offer. Tragically, neither of them survived the descent. Kirui’s body was recovered within hours, yet Nawang’s remains were never found.

In our quest to honor Nawang’s memory, we searched for any trace of his life or past climbs but found nothing. Although he was working for Seven Summit Treks on Everest, the company did not mention him on its social media. When we shared the story of his passing, we passed out to our compilations, asking for any images or information they might have about him.

A few days later, we received an email with a photo attached.

“He was really a nice guy; it’s a true tragedy,” wrote Chris P, who asked us to keep his full name and nationality private.

Chris fondly remembered his time with Nawang as he guided him on Mera Peak.

“Nawang was truly exceptional,” Chris reflected. “Beyond his impressive skills and deep knowledge, he had a rare blend of empathy and charisma. His genuine kindness and understanding made the journey not just successful, but truly unforgettable.”