The family of Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui says that his body will remain on Mount Everest but will hold a private memorial in his hometown.
In a statement to the media, they said they made the painful choice after long conversations and thoroughly considering all options.
According to a statement issued by his close friend James Muhia, his family did not want to jeopardize anyone's life by attempting to collect his corpse from the chasm he fell into, which was roughly 48 meters from the world's highest point.
"Cheruiyot fell into a crevasse 48 meters from the summit (8,848 meters), and retrieving his body from that high up would be risky for the rescue team. The family does not wish to endanger any life," the Wednesday media statement reads.
"Cheruiyot had a profound love for the mountains, and they loved him in return. We find solace in knowing he rests in his happy place."
The family also expressed condolences to the family of Nawang Sherpa, Cheruiyot's Sherpa, on this expedition, who has yet to be located.
The family plans memorial services in Nairobi and Chepterit village.
According to organisers, Kirui's body was located a few metres below Mount Everest's peak.
"He was on a daring mission to reach the summit without supplemental oxygen and was accompanied by a Nepali climber, Nawang Sherpa, whose fate is still unknown," the Nepali climbing news website Everest Today said on Thursday.
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