Thoma Huber reports on Laura Dahlmeier's enthusiasm over Laila Peak - Laura Dahlmeier found herself exploring Laila Peak, as stated by Thumas Huber
In a tragic turn of events, German Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier lost her life while attempting to summit Laila Peak (6,096 meters) in Pakistan’s Hushy Valley on July 28, 2025.
Dahlmeier, along with her climbing partner Marina Eva, was struck by a sudden rockfall at around 5,700 meters altitude. Dahlmeier sustained severe injuries and was stranded on the mountain as helicopter rescue was delayed due to bad weather and difficult terrain.
Marina Eva managed to descend to the base camp with help from rescuers and sent a distress signal, prompting a rescue operation. Despite extensive efforts by Pakistani Army aviation helicopters, local porters, and international climbers, including friend and fellow German mountaineer Thomas Huber and American climbers on site, the terrain and ongoing rockfalls made the rescue extremely hazardous.
Eva attempted to save Dahlmeier for several hours but no signs of life were detected. Following Dahlmeier's explicitly stated wish that rescuers should not risk their lives, Eva made the hard decision to retreat from the danger zone for safety.
The coordinated rescue effort continued with airborne and ground teams awaiting weather improvements but ultimately, Dahlmeier was confirmed dead from her injuries sustained in the rockfall accident.
Laura Dahlmeier was a former Olympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion in biathlon. After retiring from biathlon in 2019, she pursued alpine climbing and ski mountaineering, having climbed peaks like Trango and Ama Dablam. The Laila Peak expedition was undertaken with friends starting late June 2025, marking one of her major climbs in the region.
Thomas Huber, a fellow German mountaineer, expressed his condolences for Dahlmeier on Instagram, stating that all dreams and goals are put aside for Laura's survival. He also wrote that the Laila Peak was not an ordinary mountain for Dahlmeier. Huber wants to continue holding onto his love and resume his ascent on the Choktoi this weekend, following the path that Laura would have taken.
Our thoughts are with Laura Dahlmeier's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. She will be remembered as a remarkable athlete and a passionate mountaineer.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025). German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier dies in mountaineering accident. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/news/58621499 [2] The Guardian. (2025). German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/29/german-biathlete-laura-dahlmeier-dies-in-pakistan-mountaineering-accident [3] The Telegraph. (2025). Laura Dahlmeier: German biathlete dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/29/laura-dahlmeier-german-biathlete-dies-pakistan-mountaineering-accident/ [4] Al Jazeera. (2025). German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/29/german-biathlete-laura-dahlmeier-dies-in-pakistan-mountaineering-accident
As the mountaineering community and sports world mourn the loss of Laura Dahlmeier, the former Olympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion in biathlon, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given Dahlmeier's post-biathlon passion for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering.
In a tribute to Dahlmeier, Thomas Huber, a fellow German mountaineer, announced his plan to continue his ascent on the Choktoi, following the path that Laura would have taken, reflecting the sports spirit and adventurous spirit the two shared.
