Berlin, July 31, 2025:German double Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has tragically died following a mountaineering accident in Pakistan, her management confirmed on Wednesday.
The fatal incident occurred around noon on Monday near Laila Peak in the Karakoram range, at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan. Dahlmeier was ascending the mountain in the Hushe Valley of northern Gilgit-Baltistan with her climbing partner when she was struck by a sudden rockfall.
Her representatives confirmed to Die Welt newspaper, “Laura Dahlmeier passed away on July 28 during a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak (6,069 metres) in Pakistan.” A recovery effort was initiated but later suspended on the evening of July 29 due to deteriorating weather conditions and challenging terrain.
They added that Dahlmeier likely died instantly from the impact. Her mountaineering partner remained unharmed and stayed at the site. Due to harsh weather, rescue helicopters have been unable to reach the area.
Respecting her wishes, her representatives said, “It was Laura’s clearly expressed and written desire that, in such an event, no one should risk their life recovering her. She wished to be left on the mountain, a sentiment her family also supports.”
The 31-year-old athlete was an experienced alpinist. She had been in the region since late June. She had recently completed a successful ascent of the Great Trango Tower.
Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Dahlmeier rose to international prominence in biathlon, capturing two gold medals and a bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where she became the first female biathlete to win both the sprint and pursuit events at the same Games.
She retired from the sport in 2019 at the age of 25, transitioning to work as a winter sports commentator, mountain rescue volunteer, and certified ski guide.
Tributes have poured in from across Germany and the international sports community. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder said, “Laura embodied the spirit of Bavaria—ambitious, successful, yet grounded and deeply connected to her roots.”He praised her continued commitment to the sport even after retirement.
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry stated, “Laura made Olympic history at Pyeongchang and will forever be remembered for her achievements and inspiring legacy.”
The German Olympic Sports Confederation echoed this sentiment: “She was not just an Olympic champion—she was a person of heart, vision, and character.”
Dahlmeier’s passing leaves a profound void in the world of winter sports and mountaineering, remembered for both her sporting excellence and deep love of nature.