Elite Japanese climbers Kazuya Hiraide and Kenro Nakajima tragically fell from 7,500 meters while attempting to climb K2, according to officials. Despite a helicopter rescue mission locating their bodies, it was unable to retrieve them due to high altitude, steep terrain, and severe weather.

The climbers were scaling K2’s challenging western face using a speed-focused technique with minimal fixed ropes. Karrar Haidri from the Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed their fall, noting their dedication and thorough preparation.

Read more: Two Japanese Climbers Go Missing Scaling K2

Deputy Commissioner Wali Ullah Falahi explained that the helicopter could not land on the steep slope and high altitude. The rescue team observed the bodies but had to return without recovering them.

Rescue efforts on K2, especially its western face, are extremely difficult. Hiraide and Nakajima, both renowned for their high-altitude expertise, are remembered for their exceptional climbing skills. This incident follows the recent deaths of three other Japanese climbers on Pakistan’s Spantik mountain, casting a shadow over the mountaineering community despite other successful expeditions.