Mountaineering tragedy claims life of German Olympic champion
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Laura Dahlmeier, the two-time Olympic biathlon champion and seven-time world championship gold medalist, lost her life in a climbing accident on Laila Peak in the Karakoram range, Pakistan, on July 28, 2025.
The incident occurred at approximately 5,700 meters altitude during the descent phase of the climb, when a rope maneuver triggered a rockfall. Dahlmeier, who was descending alongside her climbing partner, Marina Krauss, was struck by the falling rocks and suffered fatal injuries. Krauss, fortunately, remained unharmed and immediately sent an SOS, but was unable to reach Dahlmeier due to the treacherous terrain and the risk of further rockfall.
Rescue efforts were hampered by the harsh weather conditions in the region, which had been experiencing rain, strong winds, and thick clouds for the past week. The poor visibility prevented a helicopter evacuation, and local rescuers on the ground reached Dahlmeier’s body on the morning of July 29. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to revive her, and her death was confirmed. Krauss was able to descend safely to Base Camp with help from local climbers.
Laura Dahlmeier, 31 years old, was a distinguished athlete who had won two Olympic gold medals and seven world championships in biathlon before retiring in 2019 to focus on alpinism. She had been pursuing mountaineering since then and was climbing in the Hunza Valley region of Gilgit-Baltistan when the accident occurred.
This accident serves as a grim reminder of the extreme risks involved in high-altitude climbing, even for experienced and accomplished mountaineers like Dahlmeier. The site of the accident is remote and poses a danger of further rockfalls, making rescue operations particularly challenging.
Dahlmeier was an active member of the mountain rescue, according to her team. She had taken up mountaineering and was a certified mountain and ski guide. The expedition was organized by Shipton Trek & Tours Pakistan.
Our thoughts are with Dahlmeier’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Her accomplishments in biathlon and her passion for mountaineering will not be forgotten.
| Detail | Information | |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Date of accident | July 28, 2025 | | Location | Laila Peak, Karakoram range, Pakistan | | Altitude during incident | Approximately 5,700 meters (18,700 feet) | | Circumstances | Struck by falling rocks triggered by rope maneuver during descent | | Climbing partner | Marina Krauss (uninjured) | | Rescue operation | Ground rescue confirmed death; helicopter rescue impossible due to weather | | Outcome | Laura Dahlmeier died instantly from injuries | | Athlete background | Two-time Olympic biathlon gold medalist, seven-time world champ, transitioned to alpinism in 2019 | | Post-retirement activities | Became a commentator on biathlon events for German broadcaster ZDF, took up mountaineering and was a certified mountain and ski guide | | Expedition organizer | Shipton Trek & Tours Pakistan |
The tragic climbing accident that took place on Laila Peak, Karakoram range, Pakistan on July 28, 2025, is a chilling example of the general-news associated with high-altitude sports. Despite her expertise in mountaineering and previous achievements as a certified mountain and ski guide, Laura Dahlmeier, the two-time Olympic biathlon champion and seven-time world championship gold medalist, lost her life in an accident that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed to even experienced athletes.
