German biathlon star Laura Dahlmeier has tragically died in a climbing accident in Pakistan. The 31-year-old Olympic champion was climbing Laila Peak in the Karakoram range on July 28 when she was hit by falling rocks. Her climbing partner survived the event and was able to call for help.
Rescuers confirmed Dahlmeier’s death on July 30 but were unable to retrieve her body due to dangerous weather conditions. The family has expressed wishes that no one risk their lives to recover her remains, a message shared on Dahlmeier’s official Instagram page.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier paid tribute to Dahlmeier, calling her an exceptional athlete and a proud ambassador for Germany. He recalled presenting her with the Silver Laurel Leaf, the country’s highest sporting honor, after her first Olympic gold in 2018.
Dahlmeier’s partner, Marina Eva, tried for hours to save her but eventually had to retreat because of the terrain and continuous rockfall. Eva was helped to descend to base camp by rescuers.
The 6,069-meter Laila Peak was the second summit Dahlmeier attempted in the region after successfully climbing Great Trango Tower earlier in July. Military helicopters were ready to assist with rescue efforts but were grounded due to bad weather.
Laura Dahlmeier’s career was decorated with multiple World Championship medals and Olympic golds. After retiring from biathlon in 2019, she embraced mountain climbing and became a certified mountain and ski guide in 2023. She also volunteered with her hometown mountain rescue team.
