German mountaineer Dahlmeier dies while attempting to scale Gilgit-Baltistan's Laila Peak

Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Gilgit Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Germany, has died following a tragic mountaineering accident in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, her management confirmed on Wednesday.

The fatal incident happened at approximately noon on Monday during an ascent of Laila Peak, which stands at 6,069 metres in the Karakoram range. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the accident occurred at an altitude of about 5,700 metres. Dahlmeier and her climbing companion were scaling the mountain in the Hushe Valley when she was struck by a sudden rockfall.

Due to poor weather conditions, aerial rescue efforts were hindered, and helicopters were unable to reach the site in time.

"Laura Dahlmeier died on 28 July in a mountain accident on Laila Peak (6,069 metres) in Pakistan's Karakoram range," her representatives told the German newspaper Die Welt. "A recovery operation was launched but ultimately called off on the evening of 29 July."

Dahlmeier, who retired from competitive biathlon in 2019 at just 25, had made history the previous year by becoming the first female biathlete to secure both sprint and pursuit golds at the same Winter Olympics. She was 31 at the time of her passing.

The German Olympic Sports Confederation expressed its condolences, stating, "She was more than an Olympic champion – she was someone with heart, attitude and vision."

Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a town in Bavaria known for winter sports, Dahlmeier remained deeply connected to the mountains throughout her life. Markus Söder, Premier of Bavaria, paid tribute to her legacy, saying, "Laura Dahlmeier epitomised her native Bavaria in the best sense of the word: she was ambitious and successful, yet always remained humble and close to her homeland." He added, "Even after her active career, she shared her love of sport as a winter sports expert, member of the mountain rescue service and ski guide."

Dahlmeier’s death marks a profound loss for both the global sports and mountaineering communities.