Laura Dahlmeier, the celebrated German Olympic biathlon champion, has tragically died following a mountaineering accident in Pakistan. The incident occurred on Monday at an altitude of around 5,700 metres on Laila Peak in the Karakoram range, within the remote Hushe Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. Dahlmeier was struck by a sudden rockfall while climbing alongside her mountaineering partner.
According to her representatives, Dahlmeier most likely died instantly. Her climbing partner was unharmed and remained at the site. Adverse weather conditions hindered recovery efforts, and a rescue helicopter was unable to access the location. In line with Dahlmeier’s written wishes, the mission was ultimately called off. She had expressly requested that no one risk their life to retrieve her body in the event of a fatal accident and preferred to be left on the mountain. Her family supports this decision.
The 31-year-old was an experienced mountaineer and had been in the Gilgit-Baltistan region since late June, having already successfully summited the Great Trango Tower. Her passion for adventure continued well beyond her competitive career, which she ended in 2019 at the age of 25.
Dahlmeier rose to international prominence after a historic performance at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where she became the first female biathlete to win both the sprint and pursuit events at a single Games. She also earned a bronze medal in the individual event. Her achievements solidified her legacy in biathlon history.
Hailing from the Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dahlmeier was known for her humility, ambition, and deep connection to her homeland. Even after retiring from professional sport, she remained active in the winter sports community as a commentator, ski guide, and member of the mountain rescue service.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world. She has been remembered not only for her accomplishments on the snow but also for her strong character, sense of purpose, and love of nature. Her untimely passing marks a profound loss for both the athletic and mountaineering communities.
