Key points
- Dahlmeier most likely died instantly: Laura’s representatives
- Poor weather hindered rescue efforts, partner uninjured
- Dahlmeier’s wish was to leave her body on the mountain: management
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has expressed “profound sorrow at the passing” of German Olympic gold medallist and world champion biathlete Laura Dahlmeier in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region.
“The Government of Pakistan expresses profound sorrow at the tragic passing of globally renowned athlete Laura Dahlmeier in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region,” the Government of Pakistan said in a post on X.
The Government of Pakistan expresses profound sorrow at the tragic passing of globally renowned athlete Laura Dahlmeier in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Laura was an inspiration for athletes and dreamers across the globe. Her… pic.twitter.com/ZmqiwuHMAV
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 31, 2025
“Laura was an inspiration for athletes and dreamers across the globe. Her indomitable spirit and legacy as a true role model will shine on forever. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and the German people,” the government statement further read.
Laura Dahlmeier died in a climbing accident on Laila Peak, a remote mountain in the Karakoram range, in northern Pakistan, on July 28.
Rescue operation
A major rescue operation launched by Pakistani authorities after a rockfall struck 31-year-old Dahlmeier ended in tragedy, as poor weather and difficult terrain hampered efforts to save her.
Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, said, “The rescue team has confirmed that Laura has died.”
The announcement came after days of intensive rescue efforts to locate and evacuate Dahlmeier.
Sudden rockfall
The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres when a sudden rockfall struck Dahlmeier during her ascent.
Two teams of expert climbers from Germany and the United States deployed to search her confirmed that she had died, regional government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said.
“Laura Dahlmeier died on 28 July in a mountain accident on Laila Peak (6,069 metres) in Pakistan’s Karakoram range,” her management said in a statement.
“A recovery operation was launched but ultimately called off on the evening of 29 July.”
Her representatives added that Dahlmeier most likely died instantly, while her mountaineering partner was unharmed.
Written will
“It was Laura Dahlmeier’s express and written will that in a case like this, no one should risk their life to recover her,” they said.
“It was her wish to leave her body behind on the mountain in this case. This is also in line with the wishes of her relatives.”
Faraq said the regional authorities would respect any decision by her family.
