By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - A prominent Kenyan mountain climber has died close to the summit of Mount Everest, Kenya's Foreign Ministry confirmed Thursday.
Kenya's principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei, in a statement noted that Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, 40, "passed by my office before he left for Nepal on this adventure. I have been following his exploits until this unfortunate end.”
"He was a fearless, audacious spirit and represented the indomitable will of many Kenyans," he added.
Cheruiyot's death marks the third confirmed fatality this season on the world's tallest mountain as hundreds of climbers attempt to reach the summit.
He was found dead in the challenging stretch between the peak and the Hillary Step. His Nepali climbing guide, Nawang Sherpa, 44, remains missing.
The pair had been out of contact since late Wednesday, prompting a search and rescue operation.
Kirui was attempting a daring climb without supplemental oxygen, a risky endeavor due to the extreme altitude and harsh conditions.