New Delhi, Aug. 2 -- Record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal Purja, widely known as Nimsdai, has died after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region, where he was leading a climbing expedition on Thursday.

The news of his death was confirmed on Saturday by Elite Exped, the expedition company he co-founded. In a statement, the company said several members of the team also lost their lives in the avalanche. Among those named were Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa. The organisation requested privacy for the bereaved families during this difficult time.

Purja, celebrated for redefining modern high-altitude mountaineering, had recently spoken about his ambitions for the climb and reflected on his jour...