Mountain incident claims life of ex-biathlete Laura Dahlmeier
In a shocking turn of events, Laura Dahlmeier, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion in biathlon, lost her life in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak (6,069 meters) in Pakistan's Karakoram range on July 28, 2025 [1][2][3].
The accident occurred during the descent from the summit, when Dahlmeier was rappelling at about 5,700 meters with her rope partner, Marina Krauss [2][3]. A rope maneuver triggered a rockfall that struck Dahlmeier, causing fatal injuries [1][2]. Krauss, unharmed, immediately sent an SOS call and attempted to reach Dahlmeier for hours but was forced to retreat due to dangerous terrain and the risk of further rockfall [2][3].
A rescue helicopter deployed by the Pakistan army located Dahlmeier’s body on July 29, but the operation was hampered by bad weather and technical reasons, preventing an aerial rescue [2][3]. Ground rescuers confirmed her death at the site [2][3].
Dahlmeier had transitioned from professional biathlon to alpinism in 2019 and was known for her athletic achievements and warm personality [1][3][5]. She was a state-certified mountain and ski guide and an active member of the mountain rescue service.
The Laila Peak, located near the K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, near the border with China, attracts climbers every year, despite the high risks of avalanches and storms [4]. Dahlmeier was considered an experienced and risk-aware mountaineer, planning to climb the Laila Peak in the challenging alpine style, which dispenses with aids such as porters or fixed ropes [4].
Legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner described the danger faced by alpinists in such situations, emphasizing the unpredictability of the mountains [4]. Dahlmeier's last wish was for her body to remain on the mountain.
The news of Dahlmeier's death caused shock among many people, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. She was remembered as a role model, an extraordinary person, and a source of inspiration by the German Ski Association, DOSB President Thomas Weikert, and Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in mountaineering, even for the most experienced climbers.
[1] The Guardian
[2] BBC News
[3] Deutsche Welle
[4] The New York Times
[5] The Telegraph
General news outlets reported on the unfortunate death of Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier, who died in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak. Despite her years of experience and risk-aware approach, the accident occurred during her descent from the summit, where a rope maneuver triggered a rockfall that caused fatal injuries. This tragic incident underscores the unpredictable dangers inherent in mountaineering and serves as a reminder of the risks faced even by the most experienced climbers. Although Dahlmeier had a passion for sports and was a state-certified mountain guide, her last wish was to remain on the mountain where she lost her life.
