Climbing icon Thomas Huber is making his way to meet biathlete Laura Dahlmeier.
Tragic Mountain Rescue Attempt in Karakoram Mountains Falls Short
A rescue operation led by renowned German climber Thomas Huber for biathlon Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier in the Karakoram Mountains was unsuccessful. The accident occurred on July 28, 2025, at around 5,700 meters on the steep and dangerous Laila Peak during rappelling, when Laura was hit on the head by a large rockfall and became unresponsive.
The rescue team, which included Thomas Huber and local mountain porters, faced numerous challenges due to the extremely steep terrain, continuous rockfalls, and adverse weather conditions. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to reach Laura, and on July 30, they confirmed her death. The team, including Huber, decided against attempting to recover her body, deeming it too risky for the rescuers and respecting Laura’s last wishes.
Thomas Huber, who was previously located in the Latok group, another area in Pakistan, expressed his sadness, emphasizing the risks involved and the respect for Laura’s wishes in not retrieving the body. He highlighted Laura’s deep connection to the mountains and the tragic nature of the accident.
Former extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner expressed support for Huber's involvement in the rescue operation but acknowledged that he cannot perform miracles. Huber was flown by helicopter from the Latok group to the base camp of the Laila Peak to join the rescue efforts.
The rescue operation took place at the Laila Peak (6,069 m) in the Karakorum Mountains. The accident was initiated due to a crash involving Laura at the base camp of the Laila Peak. The rescue team operated in two separate teams, with Thomas Huber leading one of them.
In summary, the rescue operation for Laura Dahlmeier in the Karakoram Mountains was extremely difficult, ultimately unsuccessful, and did not result in the recovery of her body. The operation was complicated by adverse weather, continuous rockfalls, and the very steep terrain. Thomas Huber expressed sadness, emphasizing the risks involved and the respect for Laura’s wishes in not retrieving the body.
The Commission, with its expertise in such matters, has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the unfortunate incident that took place during a sports-related activity in the Karakoram Mountains. Thomas Huber, a renowned climber known for his involvement in extreme sports, was one of the key figures in the rescue operation for biathlon Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier.
