Ongoing Efforts to Locate Laura Dahlmeier Persist
Tragedy in the Karakorum Mountains: Biathlon Champion Laura Dahlmeier Passes Away
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Laura Dahlmeier, the two-time German Olympic biathlon gold medalist, has tragically lost her life in a climbing accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram mountains.
Dahlmeier was struck by falling rocks on July 28, 2025, during her ascent of the Laila Peak. Despite a swift rescue operation involving local climbers, porters, and international mountaineers, including Americans and German climbers, she was found to have died instantly due to the severity of her injuries.
The rescue operation, which took place in subzero temperatures and snow at around 5,700 meters, was hindered by poor visibility and rainfall, making helicopter rescue attempts impossible. The focus is now on recovering Dahlmeier's body safely for transfer to Skardu city.
Dahlmeier's climbing partner, Marina Eva, survived and managed to descend to base camp with rescuers' assistance. The pair had been climbing the Laila Peak in alpine style when hit by a rockslide on Monday around noon (local time).
Laura Dahlmeier, who ended her career as a competitive athlete at the age of 25 in May 2019, has been an active biathlon expert for the ZDF since then. She was a force to be reckoned with in the biathlon world, having won two Olympic gold medals in 2018, seven world championship titles, and the overall World Cup in the 2016/17 season.
Her most notable achievement was at the 2017 World Championships in Hochfilzen, where she won five gold and one silver medal in six starts. Magdalena Neuner, a 12-time world champion, expressed her condolences on Instagram, writing "I'm thinking of you, Laura."
Dahlmeier had been in the region since late June with friends. She had already successfully climbed the Great Trango Tower (6,287 m) on July 8 before attempting the Laila Peak. The Laila Peak, located near the K2, the second highest mountain in the world, close to the border with China, is a popular destination for mountaineers every year, but the risks of avalanches and storms are high.
Our thoughts are with Laura Dahlmeier's family, friends, and the biathlon community during this difficult time. The search for her body will resume in the morning.
[1] Pakistan Mountain News [2] BBC News [3] The Guardian [4] ZDF Sport
- Despite her success in biathlon, Laura Dahlmeier's final adventure led her to the treacherous slopes of the Laila Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram mountains, a popular destination for mountaineers that's also known for its high risks of avalanches and storms.
- Beyond her achievements in biathlon, Dahlmeier's love for sports extended to the challenging world of rock climbing, where she met her tragic end on the same mountains that once held the Laila Hockey tournament every year, a testament to the sports community's enduring spirit.
