Laura Dahlmeier, German Olympic biathlon champion, dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident
Her management confirmed on Wednesday that the former biathlete was struck by falling rocks while ascending Laila Peak in the Karakoram mountain range on Monday, July 28.
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the incident occurred at around noon at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters in the remote Hushe Valley region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Dahlmeier was climbing with her mountaineering partner Marina Eva, who survived and sent a distress signal after being unable to rescue Dahlmeier due to dangerous terrain and ongoing rockfall. She later descended to base camp with the help of local rescuers.
Authorities launched a rescue mission immediately, with Pakistani military helicopters on standby. However, worsening weather conditions, including low visibility and heavy monsoon rains, prevented aerial access to the accident site. Local climbers, including two Americans attempting the same route, also tried to assist. Dahlmeier's management said her injuries were likely fatal on impact.
In accordance with Dahlmeier's documented wishes, no one was to risk their life to recover her body. 'It was Laura's express and written will,' her team said. 'She wanted to remain on the mountain if something happened.' Her family has thanked the rescue teams for their efforts and asked that her wishes be respected.
Dahlmeier, who retired from professional biathlon in 2019 at age 25, was widely celebrated for her athletic achievements. She won two gold medals and a bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and accumulated a total of 15 medals at the Biathlon World Championships. After retirement, she became a certified mountain and ski guide and volunteered with mountain rescue services.
German leaders and sports organizations paid tribute to Dahlmeier, describing her as a national icon and an ambassador for sports and nature. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised her as a 'role model for peaceful and fair coexistence,' while the German Olympic Sports Confederation highlighted her 'dedication, passion, and legacy beyond medals.'
Dahlmeier had been in Pakistan since late June and had recently climbed the Great Trango Tower prior to her final ascent.
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