Tragic confirmation: Olympic champion Dahlmeier found deceased in Pakistan
In a tragic turn of events, Laura Dahlmeier, the former German Olympic biathlon champion and double Olympic gold medalist, has lost her life in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan. Dahlmeier, who was 31 years old, died on July 28, 2025, after being struck by a sudden rockfall while climbing Laila Peak (6,069 meters) in the Karakoram mountain range, located in the Hushe Valley, northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Dahlmeier, who retired from biathlon in 2019 at the age of 25, was a highly decorated athlete. She won two gold medals at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, becoming the first female biathlete to win both sprint and pursuit events at the same Games. Additionally, she boasted an impressive seven world championship titles.
On July 28, Dahlmeier was ascending Laila Peak with her climbing partner, Marina Eva. Unfortunately, the pair was caught in a rockslide at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters (18,700 feet). Dahlmeier suffered severe injuries, and despite rescue efforts involving international teams and helicopters, poor weather and the remote location thwarted immediate access. Her death was confirmed on July 30, 2025.
Prior to this incident, Dahlmeier had been in northern Pakistan since the end of June, having successfully climbed the 6,200-meter Great Trango Tower on July 8. She had also participated in several challenging mountaineering expeditions, including Korzhenevskaya Peak in Tajikistan in 2023 and Ama Dablam in Nepal in 2024.
Rescue attempts have been hampered by adverse weather conditions, including low visibility, rain, and strong winds, which have caused Pakistani military helicopters to remain grounded. As of Wednesday morning, four international climbers - three Americans and one German, along with two local high-altitude porters - had set out on a rescue mission for Dahlmeier. However, no new information has been provided about the status of her climbing partner, Marina Eva, or the current state of the rescue mission.
Laura Dahlmeier, a celebrated figure in the world of sports, will be deeply missed. Her achievements in both biathlon and mountaineering have left a lasting impact, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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[1] The world mourns the loss of Laura Dahlmeier, an international sports icon, following a mountaineering accident in Pakistan.[2] In a shocking turn of events, news from around the globe is reporting the death of Laura Dahlmeier, a celebrated biathlon champion, in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan.
