The family of the late adventurous mountain climber Cheruiyot Kirui has finally addressed the circumstances surrounding the death of their son.

Cheruiyot Kirui was reported missing and finally found dead Wednesday while on an expedition to Mount Everest.

PHOTO | COURTESY  Cheruiyot Kirui

According to the family, Kirui and his sherpa guide fell while attempting to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen.

"Cheruiyot lost radio communication with base camp early morning of May 22, 2024 on his summit push. He was reported missing by his expedition company and immediately a team of rescue sherpas stationed at camp 4 were dispatched to the point of last contact," his family said.

PHOTO | COURTESY  Cheruiyot Kirui

"His body was discovered at an altitude of 8,800m, 48 meters from the summit. Whereas it is not possible to determine the exact sequence of events, we know that Cheruiyot and his sherpa guide, Nawang Sherpa, took a fall."

Kirui's family later expressed condolences to the mountain climber's friends and coworkers, as well as the family of Nawang Sherpa, who has yet to be located by search and rescue teams.