Tragedy as double Olympic champion killed in accident aged 31

Irish Daily Mirror

5 days ago

Two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has tragically passed away at 31 following a mountaineering accident, her management team confirmed. The German sportswoman, who clinched two golds at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, was involved in a rockfall in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan on Monday.
After Dahlmeier's climbing partner Marina Eva sent a distress call, a challenging search and rescue operation commenced. The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres on Laila Peak, with the remote location delaying the arrival of the rescue helicopter until Tuesday morning.
The search by helicopter was hindered by poor weather, prompting the mobilisation of expert climbers from Germany and the USA, alongside assistance from the Pakistani army, as the mission extended into Wednesday.
However, Dahlmeier's management delivered the sombre news to ZDF: "Based on the findings from the helicopter overflight and the rope partner's description of the severity of her injuries, it can be assumed that Laura Dahlmeier died immediately."
They also stated that "Recovering the body is too risky for the rescue workers under the current difficult conditions with rockfall and a change in the weather on Laila Peak and is not feasible.", reports the Express. Laura Dahlmeier won double biathlon gold in Pyeongchang (Image: Getty)
"Her wish was to leave her body on the mountain in this case. This is also in the interest of her relatives, who also expressly request that Laura's final wishes be respected.
"The family extends its sincere thanks to the rescue team, especially the mountaineers who came to the scene to help. They did their very best to facilitate a rescue and reach the victim."
Reports indicate that Dahlmeier's 'express and written will' stipulated that nobody should endanger their lives attempting to rescue her. She abandoned professional biathlon to pursue her mountaineering passion in 2019 - the year following her gold medal victories in both sprint and pursuit biathlon disciplines at Pyeongchang, alongside a bronze in the individual competition.
Dahlmeier held qualifications as a mountain guide and served actively within the mountain rescue service, according to sources. Her climbing companion is reportedly 'unharmed and receiving on-site care' following their escort back to base camp.
The former Winter Olympic champion's management team stated: "We bid farewell to a wonderful person. Laura enriched our lives and the lives of many with her warm and straightforward manner.
"She showed us that it's worth standing up for your own dreams and goals and always staying true to yourself. We are deeply grateful, dear Laura, that we were allowed to share in your life. Our shared memories give us strength and courage to continue on our path."