German mountaineer and Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has been confirmed dead after going missing during an attempt to summit Laila Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan. The 30-year-old athlete was climbing in alpine style with her fellow German partner, Marina Eva, when she was fatally struck by a rock at approximately 5,700 meters. Despite being injured, Dahlmeier managed to contact Eva, who was further down the mountain, but worsening weather conditions and inaccessible terrain made any rescue attempt nearly impossible.
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A swift operation was launched involving the Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters and local high-altitude porters. Unfortunately, due to persistent rough weather and the dangerous location of the incident, helicopters couldn’t land at the site. After two days of unsuccessful rescue efforts, the operation was suspended.
In an official statement, Alpine Club of Pakistan Vice President Karrar Haidri announced Dahlmeier’s passing, describing her as a passionate and fearless mountaineer who died doing what she loved. The ACP extended heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the global mountaineering community. GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq also confirmed the tragic loss, echoing that the mission was too dangerous to continue.
According to German media, Dahlmeier’s representatives stated that she most likely died instantly. Her partner Eva remained uninjured and stayed at the location for some time. In line with Laura’s express written wishes, no attempt will be made to retrieve her body to avoid risking more lives. Her family supports this decision, respecting her desire to rest on the mountain she loved.
Laura Dahlmeier had been exploring Pakistan’s peaks since late June and had already climbed the iconic Great Trango Tower. She was an experienced mountaineer, certified mountain and ski guide, and a member of the mountain rescue service. Following her early retirement from biathlon at 25, she became a commentator and continued to embrace high-altitude adventures.
Her death has deeply shaken Germany. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called her an ambassador of peace and a symbol of international friendship. The German Olympic Sports Confederation paid tribute to her not just as a champion but as someone who lived with courage and integrity. Bavaria’s premier, Markus Soeder, highlighted her humility, hometown pride, and lifelong dedication to nature and sport.
Laura Dahlmeier’s legacy goes beyond medals. At the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, she made history by winning both the sprint and pursuit events, becoming the first female biathlete to do so at the same Games. With seven world championship gold medals, she had already secured her name in sports history before transitioning to her second passion: mountaineering.
This is the second recent tragedy on Pakistan’s mountains. Earlier this month, Czech mountaineer Klára Kolouchová died at Nanga Parbat’s base camp after a medical emergency during descent. These incidents are stark reminders of how unforgiving high-altitude climbs can be, even for the most experienced adventurers.
Laura Dahlmeier died as she lived—pushing her boundaries in nature’s most extreme places. Her spirit, strength, and humility will be remembered by sports fans and mountain lovers around the world.
