Mountain rescue operation for Laura Dahlmeier following rockslide
Tragedy in the Karakorum: German Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies in Climbing Accident
In a tragic turn of events, Laura Dahlmeier, the German Olympic gold medalist in biathlon, has died following a climbing accident on Laila Peak in the Karakoram mountain range, Pakistan.
The accident occurred on Monday, July 28, 2025, at an altitude of about 18,700 feet. A distress signal from her climbing partner led to an immediate rescue operation, involving local mountaineers, porters, and fellow climbers from Germany and the United States. However, the ongoing bad weather and low visibility in the region have hampered the efforts.
Rescuers confirmed Dahlmeier's death based on findings from a helicopter flyover and her partner’s account. The focus is now on retrieving her body.
Dahlmeier, a state-certified mountain and ski guide, and an active member of the mountain rescue service, had spent two consecutive nights at an altitude of 5,700 meters before the accident. She was reported to have sustained "at least severe injuries" after being struck by falling rocks on Laila Peak.
The Laila Peak, a challenging mountain to climb, is located in northern Pakistan and known for its risks of rockfall, icefall, and avalanches. The weather during Dahlmeier's ascent on Monday was cold, windy, and cloudy, with rain since Tuesday.
Despite the resumed rescue operation on Wednesday morning, the exact location of Dahlmeier is still not known. An international team is coordinating the operation, including experienced mountaineers and porters, and Bavarian climber Thomas Huber.
Laura Dahlmeier was a risk-aware mountaineer who had led tours in the Alps, such as in the Bernina group or in the Ötztal. However, the DAV Summit Club, where she worked as a mountain and ski guide, has not offered tours in Pakistan for several years due to the political situation, but the situation has since stabilized.
Our thoughts are with Laura Dahlmeier's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
Status
| Status | Details | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Accident Date | July 28, 2025 | | Location | Laila Peak, Karakoram, Pakistan | | Cause | Struck by falling rocks during ascent | | Rescue operation | Launched Monday, involving local mountaineers, porters, and other climbers; hindered by bad weather and low visibility | | Air rescue | Helicopters grounded due to poor weather | | Current status | Rescue team confirmed Dahlmeier died; focus on body retrieval |
This information reflects the latest available updates as of July 30, 2025.
The tragedy has left the sports community in mourning, as Laura Dahlmeier, a renowned Olympic champion in biathlon, departed unexpectedly following a climbing accident in the Karakorum. Despite her proficiency in extreme sports like hockey, it is hockey’s turn to join the world in honoring Dahlmeier’s memory and courage.
