Farewell to double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier: she dies in a climbing accident at age 31

Former German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has died following a serious accident on July 28 while climbing Pico Laila in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range.

Dalheimer struck by deadly rockfall

According to reports, Dahlmeier was at an altitude of around 18,700 feet when she was struck by a deadly rockfall during the ascent. She had been climbing with a partner when the rocks came loose. Despite an aerial rescue operation being launched, dangerous weather and unstable terrain made it impossible for rescuers to safely reach the site. The recovery mission was ultimately called off.

Dahlmeier’s team confirmed that she “likely died instantly,” and revealed that, in accordance with her written wishes, no further lives would be risked in an attempt to retrieve her body.

Biathlete “wanted her body to remain in the mountains”

“It was Laura’s clearly stated desire that, in a situation like this, no one should endanger themselves trying to save her,” her representatives said. “She wanted her body to remain in the mountains if the worst were to happen.”

Her family has asked for privacy and respect as they grieve the loss.

Laura Dalheimer’s Olympic achievements

Tributes have poured in across Germany, including from the German Olympic Sports Confederation, which honored Dahlmeier for her courage, humility, and passionate spirit both on and off the snow.

Dahlmeier, who retired in 2019, represented Germany at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, where she won two gold medals and one bronze. Between 2015 and 2019, she also earned 15 medals at the Biathlon World Championships, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

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