Kenyan climber is found dead on Mount Everest in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal — A Kenyan climber attempting to scale the world’s tallest mountain was found dead near the summit, officials said Thursday.

Cheruiyot Kirui’s body was found on Mount Everest, said Khim Lal Gautam, a government official based at the mountain’s base camp.

It was unclear when the body would recover because the oxygen level is low at that altitude and it is difficult for the Sherpas to lower it.

Officials said more than 450 climbers have scaled Mount Everest from the Nepalese side of the peak in the south this season. Three climbers were reported dead and four remain missing on Mount Everest this season, which ends in a few days.

Most climbing of Everest and nearby Himalayan peaks is done in April and May, when weather conditions are most favorable.