New Delhi: Siachen braveheart Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, who was miraculously rescued alive from beneath tonnes of snow, passed away at 11:45 am on Thursday.


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Dubbed as the 'miracle man', the 33-year-old soldier of the 19th Battalion of Madras Regiment was flown down to Delhi's Army Research and Referral Hospital, where he battled for life for two days, but eventually breathed his last today.


Koppad stayed alive for six days buried under the snow after an avalanche struck his post in Siachen Glacier at an height of 19,600 feet.


The whole nation mourned the martyr's death.


President Pranab Mukherjee expressed his sincere condolences on the passing away of the Army jawan and described him as a hero.





While expressing grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the nation in paying tribute to Hanumanthappa. The PM tweeted: “He leaves us sad & devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India.”




Indian Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag condoled the death of the Lance Naik saying, “Hanamanthappa will continue to inspire generations in the Indian Army.”


Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi took to his Twitter account to express condolences to the brave soldier and his family.


He said: “In his life and his passing Lance Naik Hanamanthappa has shown the world the meaning of perseverance & courage.”


“His extraordinary spirit and tenacity, till the very end, is an inspiration for all. My thoughts & prayers are with his bereaved family.”


BJP president Amit Shah said: “I join millions of countrymen to extend my condolences to braveheart Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. Nation will never forget his sacrifice.”



West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to the martyr saying, “Saddened by news of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. Brave soldier gave supreme sacrifice for the nation. Salute to him & his colleagues who died.”


Saluting his bravery, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: "The only ray of hope amidst the devastating news of the avalanche was finding one of our jawans alive against all odds."


"Hearing of his demise leaves the entire nation shattered. I have always held our armed forces in the highest regard...Especially those who serve in these extreme conditions. RIP Lance Naik."


Bollywood celebrities like Lata Mangeshkar, Anupam and Kirron Kher, Rishi Kapoor among others mourned Hanumanthappa's death.


Lata Mangeshkar: Bharat mata ke veer saput Lance Naik Hanumanthappa ko meri bhavpurna shraddhanjali.