High-speed rescue initiative underway following severe injury sustained by two-time Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier during a climbing mishap
German Biathlete Laura Dahlmeier Tragically Dies in Mountaineering Accident
In a heartbreaking turn of events, retired German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has passed away following a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, leaving the global athletic community in shock.
Dahlmeier, who made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics by winning gold in both the sprint and pursuit events at the same Games, was struck by a sudden rockfall at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters (18,700 feet) during the climb. She fell a distance down the mountain, sustaining serious injuries.
Rescue efforts to reach Dahlmeier began immediately after her climbing partner, Marina Krauss, sent out a distress signal. However, the operation faced numerous challenges due to low visibility and bad weather, preventing the deployment of military helicopters. The rescue helicopter was only able to reach the scene of the accident and observe Dahlmeier on Tuesday morning.
Despite the difficult conditions, rescuers, including local mountaineers and porters, have been pushing through dangerous terrain to reach Dahlmeier. As of Wednesday morning, they are racing against time to reach her. Injured climbers have been known to survive for days under such conditions, offering a glimmer of hope.
However, as of now, there is still no clarity on Dahlmeier's current condition. Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the regional Gilgit-Baltistan government, provided updates on the rescue operation to the Associated Press.
It's worth noting that Dahlmeier is the first biathlete to win five gold medals at a single world championship. She retired from biathlon in 2019 at the age of 25.
Our thoughts are with Dahlmeier's family, friends, and the entire athletic community during this difficult time.
[1] Associated Press. (2025). German biathlete seriously injured in Pakistan mountain accident. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/a8688a74511b4c0e8a4778c5d0d95a3b
[2] BBC Sport. (2025). Laura Dahlmeier: German biathlete dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-sports/58423992
[3] Reuters. (2025). German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier dies in Pakistan mountain accident. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sports-biathlon-dahlmeier-idUSKCN26921K
[4] The Guardian. (2025). Laura Dahlmeier: German biathlete dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/28/laura-dahlmeier-german-biathlete-dies-in-pakistan-mountaineering-accident
[5] USA Today. (2025). German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2025/07/28/german-biathlete-laura-dahlmeier-dies-pakistan-mountaineering-accident/122450006/
In the tragic accident on Laila Peak, Dahlmeier's mountaineering ambitions extended beyond her successful biathlon career, showcasing her love for various sports. The global athletic community, still reeling from the loss of the five-time world champion biathlete, now mourns the versatility and competitive spirit she brought to both the winter sport and the rugged terrain of mountain climbing.
