Laura Dahlmeier, Olympic biathlon champion, dies after rockfall on Pakistan’s Laila Peak

Former German biathlon superstar Laura Dahlmeier has died following a mountaineering accident in Pakistan. According to her management, Dahlmeier was struck by falling rocks on Monday while climbing approximately 350 meters below the 6,069-meter summit of Laila Peak. Her climbing partner, Marina Krauss, immediately alerted rescue services, but high rockfall risk prevented access for the first 24 hours.

A rescue helicopter reached the accident area on Tuesday, and on Wednesday her body was located. Based on the helicopter survey and Krauss’s account of the severity of the injuries, her management stated that Dahlmeier likely died instantly. Given the ongoing danger from falling rocks and deteriorating weather, recovery operations were judged too risky and not feasible.

In line with Dahlmeier’s own wishes—and at the express request of her relatives—her body will remain on the mountain.

Who was Laura Dahlmeier

Laura Dahlmeier, 31, was one of the most accomplished athletes in biathlon history. Before retiring in 2019, she won two Olympic gold medals and one bronze, along with seven World Championship golds, three silvers, and five bronzes. She also claimed 20 World Cup victories and the overall World Cup crystal globe. After hanging up her skis, she focused on mountaineering, trail running, and mountain running—the mountains where, sadly, she will now rest forever.