Tragic mountain mishap claims life of ex-biathlete Laura Dahlmeier
Tragedy in the Pakistani Karakoram: Laura Dahlmeier Dies in Climbing Accident
Laura Dahlmeier, the retired German biathlete who won two Olympic gold medals and seven world championship titles, has died in a climbing accident in the Pakistani Karakoram mountain range.
The accident occurred on Monday, July 28, at around 5,700 meters while Dahlmeier was climbing the Laila Peak, a mountain located near K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, close to the border with China.
According to reports, Dahlmeier was rappelling with her climbing partner, Marina Eva, when a sudden rockfall struck them. Eva managed to send a distress call and descend to base camp with the help of rescuers, unharmed.
A rescue operation was launched immediately, but poor weather and low visibility prevented a helicopter from reaching the site. Despite efforts to retrieve her body, the operation was called off by the evening of July 29, after it was confirmed that Dahlmeier died instantly from the rockfall injuries.
The rescue operation is being coordinated by an international team. The region where the accident occurred attracts many mountaineers each year, but the risks of avalanches and bad weather are high. Dahlmeier and her partner were reportedly climbing the Laila Peak in alpine style, meaning with as little equipment as possible and without expedition logistics.
The accident site is difficult to access and there is a risk of further rockfalls. Efforts to retrieve Dahlmeier's body are ongoing at the time of the reports.
Before her retirement in May 2019 at the age of 25, Dahlmeier shone in the biathlon world. In the 2016/17 season, she won the overall World Cup. At the 2017 World Championships in Hochfilzen, she won gold five times and silver once in six starts. After retirement, she has been working as a biathlon expert for the ZDF.
In late June, Dahlmeier had been in the Pakistani Karakoram mountain range with friends, where she successfully climbed the Great Trango Tower (6,287 m) on July 8.
Our thoughts are with Laura Dahlmeier's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
Sources:
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Deutsche Welle
- The New York Times
- The Telegraph
Despite the safety risks in the region, general-news reports indicate that Dahlmeier and her climbing partner were attempting to climb the Laila Peak in alpine style, which involves minimal equipment, when a climbing accident occurred. The accident resulted in the death of retired German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier, known for her achievements in sports, including two Olympic gold medals and seven world championship titles.
