BREAKING NEWS: Ueli Steck Dies on Everest

World-famous Swiss alpinist Ueli Steck was killed in a climbing accident on the Nuptse face in the Khumbu region, while training for an alpine-style Everest climb.

"As of now, they are trying to bring his body to Kathmandu by helicopter. The accident happened near Camp 1 in the Nuptse wall. I think he slipped from the ice wall. I received the news from the tourism department as well as from basecamp", Ang Tsering Sherpa, Founder of Asian Trekking told The Outdoor Journal on a phone call.

One of the best alpinists in the world, the "Swiss Machine" was training for a complex Himalayan climbing expedition: an alpine style traverse of Everest and Lhotse. In a recent Facebook post, Steck wrote, "Just spent two Nights in Camp Two. Beautiful Weather and warm. I was taking the chance to go and have a look towards the west shoulder. Conditions are great so far. But you never know it can change in one month! So far we are having a good time! Hopefully, Tenjing Sherpa's frostbite is getting better soon so we can be together on the mountain again. Right now it looks we have to stay on camp two again. Expeditionweather forecast is again very strong winds for the next days. After we keep getting acclimatized, I stick to the rule to move on the mountain and not spend too many nights in camps. This way, we stay in shape and get used to the altitude! Joy is the essence to success."

Reports earlier today on Nepalese websites as well as on mountaineer Alan Arnette's site also contained the same details, and Nepal's official Department of Tourism has confirmed the news to Reuters. The Outdoor Journal will be updating this story as we receive more information. A huge loss to the mountaineering community, our thoughts are with his family and friends.