Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja MBE
25 July 1983 – 30 July 2026
Loughborough alum and honorary graduate Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja MBE tragically died in an avalanche in Pakistan alongside nine other members of his expedition in July 2026.
A world-renowned mountaineer and former member of the British Special Forces, Nims scaled the world's 14 highest peaks in just over six months in 2019, challenging what was thought possible and capturing the achievement in his Netflix documentary, whilst also shining a light on Nepali climbing guides.
In recognition of his outstanding military service and subsequent achievements in mountaineering and climbing, Nims was presented with an MBE by the late Queen in 2018, a Distinguished Alumni Award by Loughborough Business School in 2022 and an Honorary Degree from Loughborough University in 2023.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Nims’ family and friends and all those who lost loved ones on Broad Peak.