Nirmal Purja Instagram – SHISHAPANGMA 1 – The tragic events that unfolded on Shishapangma this weekend have devastated the climbing community and our Elite Exped family. On Saturday an avalanche hit our team as they climbed towards the summit. Tragically two of our guides and our Anna Gutu were caught in this, along with several other guides from other companies. As the Elite Exped family, we are devastated to confirm that sadly Anna and her guide Mingmar Sherpa died. Our guide Karma Gyaljen was also injured – he was rescued and is now in hospital in Kathmandu. Together with the other guiding companies involved; Seven Summit Treks, Imagine Nepal and Climbalaya, and members from TMA and CTMA, we are working as one mountain community, together with all the authorities and organisations involved, on the ongoing rescue and recovery mission of our beloved friends and family. We are heartbroken at the loss of Anna and Mingmar – two highly experienced and bright stars of mountaineering. Their legacies are ones of inspiration and achievement, and their loss is felt so very deeply. Mingmar – your smile lit up the room, you always brought so much positivity and joy. Your kind, caring nature and warm presence touched so many lives. Anna – our beloved, funny, happy, amazing star. You lifted us all with your great sense of humour, and your kind and inspirational heart. Rest in peace our loved ones, we miss you and are honoured we get to say we knew and loved you. We send our love to all the families, friends and supporters of all those involved in this sad incident – our thoughts are with you all. In line with the wishes of all families, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this devastating time, and that media are mindful not to cause further grief, hurt and shock through speculation or reports of unconfirmed information. Team Elite Exped,