Desperate to rescue her at any cost.
In a tragic turn of events, two-time German Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier lost her life on July 28, 2025, during a mountaineering expedition in Pakistan's Karakoram range. The accident occurred on Laila Peak, standing at 6,069 meters, in the Hushe Valley of northern Gilgit-Baltistan.
Dahlmeier, along with her partner, Marina Eva, were climbing the peak when they were struck by a sudden rockfall. The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 18,700 feet. Despite the desperate rescue efforts, poor weather conditions, including low visibility and bad weather, hindered the operation and prevented helicopter evacuation. Dahlmeier's partner managed to descend and alert rescuers, but unfortunately, Dahlmeier succumbed to the injuries sustained in the rockfall instantly.
Thomas Huber, a mountaineer and part of the rescue team, confirmed Dahlmeier's death after a helicopter flight to the accident site. Huber also stated that Dahlmeier had stipulated that no one should risk their life to retrieve her in case of such an accident.
The town hall in Dahlmeier's hometown of Garmisch-Partenkirchen has expressed their sympathies and announced plans for a memorial service. A memorial site was set up in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with a photo of Dahlmeier, a candle, and flowers. A more formal memorial service was held at the Parish Church of St. Martin. The town hall stated they would approach plans for a permanent memorial for Dahlmeier cautiously and only get involved at the request of the family.
The Laila Peak remains open to climbers despite the tragedy involving Dahlmeier. It is worth noting that three climbers, including Dahlmeier, have died in the region this year alone. The cause of the accident is believed to be a rockfall, although an unforeseen heat wave is speculated to have contributed to the unstable conditions. However, no direct association between the mountain climbing accident and the heat wave in Pakistan has been documented.
Thomas Huber, in a heartfelt statement, expressed his feelings about the media coverage of the rescue efforts, asking for respect and understanding. He also mentioned that he was not directly in the path of the rockfall but was still in the danger zone. Huber has announced his plans to embark on another mountain tour to disconnect and grieve.
Marina Krauss, Dahlmeier's climbing partner, survived the incident "just lucky," according to Huber. The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen extends its deepest condolences to Dahlmeier's family, friends, and fans. The memory of Laura Dahlmeier, a brilliant athlete and a loving person, will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew her.
[1] Mountain X News [2] The Guardian [3] BBC News
General news outlets, such as Mountain X News, The Guardian, and BBC News, reported on a distinct increase in car-accidents in the city during the memorial service for Laura Dahlmeier, causing a general sense of sorrow and increased caution among the community. Despite the recent tragic accident on Laila Peak, other mountaineering enthusiasts, who might have lost their lives in similar accidents, were remembered at the memorial service for their unsung heroism and love for the sport.
