Laura Dahlmeier, the 31-year-old German biathlon star, tragically passed away in a rockfall accident while mountaineering in the Karakoram mountains.
Tragic Loss: Olympic Biathlete Laura Dahlmeier Killed in Climbing Accident
Tragic Loss: Olympic Biathlete Laura Dahlmeier Killed in Climbing Accident
The sports world mourns as two-time Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier dies in Pakistan during a climbing expedition.
Dahlmeier’s expedition took a deadly turn on July 28 when she was struck by falling rocks at an elevation of approximately 5,700 meters (18,700 feet). Her climbing partner, Marina Eva, promptly alerted emergency services, resulting in an immediate search operation that faced significant challenges due to poor weather conditions. Tragically, the athlete's management confirmed that Dahlmeier likely succumbed to her injuries on the day of the accident.
In a heartfelt statement shared on her social media, Dahlmeier’s team emphasized her wishes not to jeopardize the lives of rescuers, stating, “It was Laura's clear and written wishes that in instances such as this, no one should risk their lives to rescue her.” The statement further noted that the decision to leave her body on the mountain aligned with the wishes of her family.
By July 29, the recovery operation was deemed too hazardous, with ongoing rockfall and erratic weather rendering rescue attempts impractical. The statement honored Dahlmeier’s legacy saying, “She enriched the lives of many with her warm and straightforward manner,” emphasizing her enduring inspiration.
The German Olympic Sports Confederation mourned her loss, remarking that "Dahlmeier was more than an Olympic champion—she was someone with heart, attitude, and vision." International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry expressed her shock, highlighting that Dahlmeier had died in her "beloved mountains" and would be remembered forever.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also acknowledged her significant contributions, calling her an "ambassador for our country around the world."
Laura Dahlmeier competed in two Winter Olympics, clinching two gold medals and one bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, making history as the first woman to win sprint and pursuit events at the same Olympics. She concluded her competitive career in May 2019 after earning an impressive collection of 15 medals, including seven gold, across five World Championships.
In a heartfelt statement shared on her social media, Dahlmeier’s team emphasized her wishes not to jeopardize the lives of rescuers, stating, “It was Laura's clear and written wishes that in instances such as this, no one should risk their lives to rescue her.” The statement further noted that the decision to leave her body on the mountain aligned with the wishes of her family.
By July 29, the recovery operation was deemed too hazardous, with ongoing rockfall and erratic weather rendering rescue attempts impractical. The statement honored Dahlmeier’s legacy saying, “She enriched the lives of many with her warm and straightforward manner,” emphasizing her enduring inspiration.
The German Olympic Sports Confederation mourned her loss, remarking that "Dahlmeier was more than an Olympic champion—she was someone with heart, attitude, and vision." International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry expressed her shock, highlighting that Dahlmeier had died in her "beloved mountains" and would be remembered forever.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also acknowledged her significant contributions, calling her an "ambassador for our country around the world."
Laura Dahlmeier competed in two Winter Olympics, clinching two gold medals and one bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, making history as the first woman to win sprint and pursuit events at the same Olympics. She concluded her competitive career in May 2019 after earning an impressive collection of 15 medals, including seven gold, across five World Championships.
