German biathlon star Laura Dahlmeier has tragically died at the age of 31 following a landslide in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. The confirmation of her death came earlier today after two days of search efforts.
Dahlmeier, a seven-time world champion, 2017 World Cup winner, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, had retired from professional biathlon at just 25. Her final career victory was in the mass start event in Antholz during the 2018/19 season.
The news was announced by her management to the German news agency DPA, confirming earlier concerns from Pakistan. The incident occurred around noon local time on July 28 at an altitude of 5,700 meters. Her climbing partner immediately contacted emergency services. However, multiple landslides hampered rescue efforts, with a helicopter able to reach the area only the following morning. The helicopter team spotted Dahlmeier but she showed no signs of life.
An international rescue team, supported by experienced mountaineers, coordinated the search operation. After a pause overnight due to darkness, the search resumed this morning, when Dahlmeier’s body was recovered.
The German Olympic Committee (DOSB) paid tribute to the athlete on social media, stating: “With heavy hearts we say goodbye to Laura Dahlmeier. Her sudden death leaves us stunned. She was more than an Olympic champion: she was a person with heart, attitude, and vision. Your story will continue to live on, Laura.”
