Laura Dahlmeier, the former German biathlon star and double Olympic champion, has died aged 31 following a tragic climbing accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, her management confirmed on Tuesday, 29 July.
The retired athlete was struck by falling rocks around midday local time on Monday, according to a statement posted by her team on Instagram. Her climbing partner, Marina Eva, managed to send a distress signal, prompting a rescue operation. However, poor weather conditions and low visibility initially prevented helicopters from reaching the remote site.
It was not until Tuesday morning that a rescue helicopter was able to locate the scene from the air and confirm the fatal accident.
In accordance with her personal wishes, Dahlmeier had previously stated that no one should endanger their own life attempting to rescue her or recover her body in the event of such an incident. Her management team, in a statement on Wednesday, extended the family’s heartfelt gratitude to the rescue team and local mountaineers, acknowledging their efforts despite the challenging circumstances.
Thomas Weikert, president of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), paid tribute to the athlete, calling her “a wonderful person” and a “role model both in and out of sport.”
“We are deeply shocked by the sudden and much too early death of this extraordinary athlete,” said Weikert. “Laura always had clear goals and pursued her dreams with remarkable determination. Her loss will be deeply felt across German sport.”
Dahlmeier made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, becoming the first woman to win both the sprint and pursuit biathlon golds at a single Games. A year earlier, she claimed five gold medals at the World Championships, a record for any biathlete at a single tournament.
She retired from the sport in 2019 at just 25, turning her focus to nature, climbing, and environmental advocacy.
In their final tribute, her management said: “We say goodbye to a wonderful person. With her warm and straightforward manner, Laura enriched our lives and those of many others. She showed us that it’s worth fighting for your dreams and always staying true to yourself.
“Laura leaves behind more than medals her passion for nature, her social commitment, and her fearless spirit will continue to inspire us.”
Weikert added: “Her story remains as a daughter, sister, friend, Olympian, and legend of biathlon. Laura will forever be a part of Team Germany. We will miss her dearly.”