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ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP): German Olympic gold medallist and world-renowned biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has been confirmed dead following a tragic mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in the Gilgit-Baltistan, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Wednesday.
Dahlmeier, 31, was reported missing after being struck by falling rocks at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres during a climbing expedition on July 28. Despite days of intense rescue efforts, challenging weather conditions, marked by rain, poor visibility and high winds had severely hampered both aerial and ground operations.
“It is with great sorrow that we confirm the death of Laura Dahlmeier,” a statement issued by the ACP said.
Maj Gen Irfan Arshad, President of the ACP extended heartfelt condolences to Dahlmeier’s family, friends and the international mountaineering community. He said this was a moment of profound loss for all.
Her climbing partner, Marina Eva, also referred to as Marina Krauss in some local reports escaped unharmed and was able to send a distress signal. She safely descended to base camp with assistance from local rescuers.
Dahlmeier was widely respected not only for her extraordinary achievements in biathlon, including multiple Olympic and world championship titles but also for her passion for mountaineering and the outdoors.
Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Karrar Haidri, also expressed his deep grief and solidarity with the bereaved family, calling Dahlmeier’s death a “devastating loss to the global adventure sports community.”
Rescue teams had been attempting to reach her through treacherous terrain after helicopters were grounded due to persistent bad weather. Her body is expected to be brought down once conditions allow safe access to the site.
The ACP and local authorities are coordinating efforts to facilitate the recovery process and to honour Dahlmeier’s memory in the spirit of international mountaineering solidarity.