The Spanish mountaineer had to attempt the ascent of K2, the second highest peak on the planet.
He was at an intermediate camp and fell on his way back down to base camp, his team said.
On Saturday, a Nepalese team conquered K2 for the first time in winter.
Spanish mountaineer Sergi Mingote died during an expedition to K2, the second highest peak on the planet, in the Karakoram massif, conquered on Saturday, for the first time in winter, by a Nepalese team.
"Sad death of Sergi Mingote on K2. He wanted to continue to make History by participating in the first expedition to overcome this summit in the middle of winter and his life was taken in a tragic accident," tweeted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a few hours after a Nepalese team made this climb.
Sad fallecimiento of Sergi Mingote in el K2.
Quería seguir haciendo historia formando parte de la primera expedición en coronar esta montaña en pleno invierno y un trágico accidente ha acabado con su vida.
A huge abrazo para los seres queridos de este grandísimo deportista.
pic.twitter.com/UJKccWphG2
- Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 16, 2021
The 49-year-old Sergi Mingote was not part of that group but of another team, which was due to attempt the climb to the summit on another day.
He was at an intermediate camp and fell on his way back down to base camp, injuring a leg according to his team.
A very dangerous summit
There are many risks involved on K2, where more than 80 people have died, against nearly 450 who have successfully climbed it.
This year, no less than four different teams and around sixty climbers were present on K2, more in total than all the previous expeditions put together.
"Dismayed by the news of the accident which ended the life of a magnificent athlete," tweeted Spanish Minister of Health Salvador Illa, explaining that Sergi Mingote was a "personal friend".