Two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier has tragically passed away after a devastating incident while mountaineering in Pakistan. Dahlmeier, aged 31, was struck by rockfall in the Karakoram mountains around midday on Monday, as confirmed by her management.
Having retired from competitive biathlon at the age of 25 in 2019 to pursue her love for mountaineering, Dahlmeier was situated at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters at the time of the tragic event.
Following the distress signal sent by Dahlmeier’s mountaineering partner, Marina Eva, an international team was deployed to locate her. However, due to the remote location of the accident, a helicopter did not reach the site until the following morning.
Rescue efforts were hindered by the risk of falling rocks, making it challenging for workers to reach the retired athlete. On Wednesday, her management confirmed her passing, stating that based on the severity of her injuries as reported by the rope partner, Dahlmeier likely passed away instantly.
Due to perilous conditions including rockfall and changing weather on Laila Peak, recovering Dahlmeier’s body was deemed too hazardous and not feasible. Her final wish to leave her body on the mountain was respected, in line with her family’s wishes.
Dahlmeier achieved her two gold medals at the Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea in 2018, making history as the first female biathlete to win sprint and pursuit events at the same Olympics. Additionally, she secured a bronze in the individual event at those Games before announcing her retirement in May 2019.
Tributes for the late Olympic champion are pouring in, with the German Olympic Sports Confederation expressing their condolences in a heartfelt message, highlighting Dahlmeier’s character beyond her sporting achievements.
German football club Schalke also paid tribute to Dahlmeier, recognizing her as both a remarkable athlete and a kind-hearted individual. The biathlon community and fans alike mourn the loss of Laura Dahlmeier, may she rest in peace.