Search intensifies for missing athlete Laura Dahlmeier amid hopes for her safe return
German Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Confirmed Dead in Karakoram Mountain Climbing Accident
In a tragic turn of events, two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier has been confirmed dead after a climbing accident in the Karakoram mountains, Pakistan. The incident occurred on July 28, 2025, at approximately 5,700 meters above sea level due to a rockslide at Laila Peak.
Rescue efforts, involving local climbers, porters, and an international team including Americans and Germans, commenced immediately after a distress call was sent by Dahlmeier's rope partner, Marina Eva, who descended safely to base camp. However, the rescue mission was hampered by challenging weather conditions and dangerous visibility, rain, and strong winds, preventing the use of helicopters.
Despite these obstacles, the ground teams persevered, aiming to airlift Dahlmeier to Skardu once the weather would allow. Unfortunately, after two days of attempts, no signs of life were detected, and the rescue operation was called off on July 30, 2025.
In accordance with Dahlmeier's wishes and those of her family, her body will remain on Laila Peak. Dahlmeier had previously expressed a clear desire that in such an event, no rescue personnel risk their own lives.
Laura Dahlmeier, a state-approved mountain and ski guide, an active member of the mountain rescue service, and an experienced mountaineer, had ended her career as a top-level athlete at the age of 25 in May 2019. She had been traveling in the region with friends since late June.
Just before the accident, Dahlmeier had successfully climbed the Great Trango Tower on July 8. The Laila Peak, located near the K2, the second highest mountain in the world, near the border with China, attracts mountaineers every year, but the risks of avalanches and storms are high.
Temperatures at the crash site are below freezing, and there is snow. The incident involved a rockslide, and it is believed that Dahlmeier was at least severely injured.
Experienced international mountaineers in the region are supporting the mountain rescuers, and the search for biathlon Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier will resume in the morning. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the entire biathlon community during this difficult time.
[1] Rescue efforts for missing German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier hampered by bad weather. (2025, July 29). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/29/rescue-efforts-for-missing-german-biathlete-laura-dahlmeier-hampered-by-bad-weather
[2] Missing German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier's body found in Karakoram mountains. (2025, July 30). BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-62356680
[3] Laura Dahlmeier's family supports decision to leave body on Laila Peak. (2025, July 31). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/laura-dahlmeiers-family-supports-decision-to-leave-body-on-laila-peak/a-61237067
[4] International rescue team searches for missing German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier. (2025, July 29). Associated Press. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/laura-dahlmeier-mountaineering-pakistan-sports-europe-e4d072120821b72648a8f875e854c797
Despite ending her career as a top-level athlete, Laura Dahlmeier continued her passion for mountain climbing. In fact, she had frequented the Karakoram mountains, and just before her tragic accident, she successfully climbed the Great Trango Tower. Though she was an experienced mountaineer, the sport of hockey was another pursuit she enjoyed, providing a balance and joy in her life outside of competition.
