ZDF coworker learns of Dahlmeier's demise during live broadcast - Live airbreaking news: Colleague learns of Dahlmeier's death on ZDF.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, former German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has died in a climbing accident in the Pakistani Karakorum mountain range. The accident occurred on Laila Peak, at an altitude of around 5,700 meters, on July 28, 2025.
Dahlmeier, a double Olympic gold medalist renowned for her dominance at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and her record-breaking five gold medals at the 2017 Biathlon World Championships, was on a climbing tour in the Karakorum Mountains since late June with friends. She was an experienced mountain climber and a state-certified mountain and ski guide.
On Monday, Dahlmeier was climbing with her partner Marina Eva Krauss in the Hushe Valley of the Gilgit-Baltistan region when she was struck by a sudden rockfall. The accident was fatal, and given her written wishes, no recovery attempt was made. Her partner survived and descended safely.
The rescue operation was initiated promptly after the accident. Four experienced climbers and two porters are on the mountain in two teams to retrieve Dahlmeier. However, thick clouds and rain are making it difficult for the rescue teams to reach her. Helicopters have not yet taken off for the rescue mission due to bad weather conditions. The search operation might be ended today around 4:30 PM German time due to darkness, and Dahlmeier faces a third night in minus temperatures and snow if she hasn't been found by then.
Tributes have poured in for Dahlmeier, with Magdalena Neuner, a biathlon legend, paying tribute to her, calling her a great role model and a pioneer. The German National Olympic Committee and German President have also expressed deep sorrow and admiration for her heart, conviction, vision, and role in promoting peaceful international coexistence.
Laura Dahlmeier's family expressed their gratitude to the rescuers and said, "We say goodbye to an incredible person. Laura enriched our lives and the lives of many with her warm and straightforward manner. She showed us that it's worth standing up for your own dreams and goals, and staying true to yourself." They also confirmed that it was her explicit wish that no one risk their life to retrieve her in a case like this, and her wish was to leave her body on the mountain.
Karrar Haidri, vice president of the Pakistan Alpine Club, stated that Dahlmeier has severe injuries and that it's known that injured climbers can survive for days. The rescue operation will continue the next morning, with German mountaineer Thomas Huber part of one of the teams.
Laura Dahlmeier's achievements in biathlon were nothing short of spectacular. She retired from professional biathlon in 2019 at age 25 and subsequently pursued her passion for mountaineering. May she rest in peace, remembered for her incredible athletic prowess and her inspiring spirit.
[1] Biathlon World Championships - Wikipedia [2] Laura Dahlmeier - Wikipedia [3] Laura Dahlmeier - IMDb [4] German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier dies in climbing accident
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