In the latest tragic incident on Mount Everest, a Kenyan climber and his Nepali guide have been reported dead, bringing the death toll for this season to at least four. The mountaineers, identified as Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, 40, and Nawang Sherpa, 44, went out of contact on Wednesday morning, with a search team soon deployed on the treacherous mountain.

According to Khim Lal Gautam, chief of the tourism department's field office at the base camp, the search team discovered the lifeless body of the Kenyan climber between the summit and the Hillary Step. However, his guide remains missing, adding to the growing concern for their safety.

The climb by Kirui, a 40-year-old banker at Kenya Commercial Bank, had garnered considerable attention in Kenya. Fellow climber James Muhia, who had been providing updates on Kirui's progress, expressed his grief over the loss, saying, "It is a sad day. Our brother is now one with the mountain. It will be a difficult time. Go well my brother."

Korir Sing'oei, the secretary of the Kenyan foreign ministry, shared his devastation upon hearing the news, describing Kirui as fearless and audacious. Sing'oei wrote on social media, "Really gutted by this news. I have been following his exploits until this unfortunate end. He is a fearless, audacious spirit and represents the indomitable will of many Kenyans. We shall miss him."

In a separate incident, a Nepali climber named Binod Babu Bastakoti, 37, died at a height of approximately 8,200 meters (26,902 feet). The Nepal tourism department issued a statement confirming his tragic demise.

The search parties on Mount Everest are also desperately trying to locate a missing British climber, aged 40, and his Nepali guide, who disappeared on Tuesday morning after a snow mass collapsed during their descent from the peak. The quest for their rescue continues.

Mount Everest's lethal nature has become all too apparent this season, with several other deaths reported. Earlier this month, two Mongolian climbers were found dead after successfully reaching the summit. Additionally, a Romanian climber lost his life in his tent during an attempt to scale Lhotse, the world's fourth-highest mountain. Two more climbers, one French and one Nepali, also lost their lives on Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world.

Nepal, known for its awe-inspiring mountains, has issued over 900 permits for mountaineering this year, including 419 for Everest, generating more than $5 million in royalties. Despite the risks, hundreds of adventurers choose to embark on these challenging expeditions every spring when the weather conditions are relatively favorable.

Last year, Mount Everest witnessed its deadliest season on record, with 18 fatalities despite over 600 climbers reaching the summit. However, the mountain also witnessed remarkable achievements this week. Nepali climber Phunjo Lama shattered the record for the fastest ascent of Everest by a woman, reaching the summit in an impressive 14 hours and 31 minutes. Meanwhile, the highly regarded Sherpa mountain guide, Kami Rita, achieved a historic feat by summiting Everest for the 30th time.

As the mountain claims more lives and presents unpredictable challenges, climbers and officials alike are reminded of the inherent dangers that accompany the pursuit of conquering the world's highest peak.