Mountain catastrophe leaves Laura Dahlmeier unaccounted for in Pakistan landslide event
German Biathlon Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies in Mountaineering Accident
Laura Dahlmeier, the former German biathlon champion and seven-time world champion, tragically lost her life in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in the Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan, on July 28, 2025.
Dahlmeier, who had been a state-certified mountain and ski guide since 2023, was seriously injured by a falling rock at an elevation of approximately 5,700 meters during her expedition. Despite immediate SOS signals and rescue attempts by helicopter, adverse weather and mountain conditions initially prevented a direct evacuation from the site.
The mountain rescue team, aided by experienced international mountaineers present in the region, coordinated ongoing rescue efforts. However, the poor weather conditions hampered the rescue and forced other climbers attempting peaks like K2 and Broad Peak to leave the area. Despite the difficulties, many acclimatized climbers and guides remained available to assist.
Following the tragic confirmation of her death on July 30, it was reported that Dahlmeier had expressed in her will a preference for her body to remain on the mountain if recovery would pose significant risk to others. This request was respected by rescuers.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his concern about the accident and his thoughts were with Dahlmeier, her family, and all those close to her. Steinmeier had praised Dahlmeier's sporting achievements, stating that she impressed him personally at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she secured gold in the sprint and pursuit races, as well as a bronze medal in the individual event.
Dahlmeier's career in biathlon was marked by impressive achievements, including seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals at Biathlon World Championships. In May 2019, she retired from biathlon to focus on her mountaineering pursuits.
This tragedy ended the life of a talented athlete and respected mountaineer whose post-biathlon career was dedicated to alpine climbing and mountain rescue service. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the wider biathlon and mountaineering communities during this difficult time.
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General-news outlets and sports-betting websites have reported a profound loss in the world of sports and mountaineering, as the seven-time Biathlon World Champion, Laura Dahlmeier, tragically passed away in a mountaineering accident. Despite her successful career in biathlon, which included numerous medals, Dahlmeier's passion for mountaineering led her to become a state-certified mountain and ski guide.
