Laura Dahlmeier, Germany’s legendary biathlete and double Olympic gold medalist, has died following a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak, a remote and challenging summit in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range. She was 31.

The accident occurred on July 28 as Dahlmeier and her climbing partner, Marina Krauss, were descending from Laila Peak (6,096 m) in the Hushe Valley of Baltistan. At approximately 5,700 meters, the pair were caught in a sudden rockfall, reportedly triggered during a rope maneuver. Dahlmeier was struck by falling rocks and collapsed at the site of the impact. Despite an immediate emergency call made by Krauss, treacherous weather conditions and ongoing rockfalls prevented any successful rescue attempt.

Local authorities, along with international rescue teams from Germany and the United States, were mobilized quickly. Military helicopters from Pakistan attempted multiple search flights but were forced to abandon efforts due to rapidly deteriorating conditions on the mountain. Based on visual confirmation from helicopter pilots and the sequence of events reported by Krauss, it is believed that Dahlmeier died instantly from the impact.

In a statement released by her management and shared on social media channels, it was revealed that Dahlmeier had left clear instructions regarding such an eventuality.

"It was Laura's clear and written wishes that in an instance such as this, no one should risk their own lives in order to rescue her. Her wish was that in this case, her body should be left behind on the mountain. This is also in line with the express wishes of the relatives," the post read. The recovery operation was officially called off on the evening of July 29.

Karrar Haidri, Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, confirmed the death in coordination with German officials and expressed deep condolences to Dahlmeier’s family, friends, and the international mountaineering and biathlon communities.

"Laura died doing what she loved most pushing her limits in the high mountains. Her strength, determination, and passion have left an indelible mark," said Maj Gen Irfan Arshad HI(M), President of the Alpine Club.

Laura Dahlmeier is widely considered one of the greatest biathletes in history. She competed at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, making history in Pyeongchang by winning gold in both the sprint and pursuit events — the first woman ever to do so at a single Games.

She also secured a bronze in the individual race, capping off a career that included seven world championship titles and a total of 15 World Championship medals.

In May 2019, at just 25 years old, Dahlmeier announced her retirement from professional biathlon, citing a desire to focus on her personal goals, particularly her love for high-altitude mountaineering and ski touring. After retirement, she remained an active figure in German sports media and continued to inspire fans as a biathlon commentator and advocate for outdoor sports.

Tributes have poured in from across the world. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry expressed her grief, calling the news “deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic movement. She lost her life in her beloved mountains," Coventry said. "She will be remembered forever—not only as an incredible athlete, but as a brave and passionate individual who always followed her heart."

Laila Peak, often regarded as one of the most beautiful and technical peaks in the Karakoram, is famed for its striking spire-like summit and steep northwest face. With a 1,500-meter vertical slope and gradients reaching 45 degrees, it presents significant risk even to experienced climbers. Its remote location and unpredictable weather add to the danger.

Earlier this month, renowned Czech mountaineer Klára Kolouchová went missing after a fall during her descent above Camp II on Nanga Parbat (8,126m). On July 18, Iftikhar Hussain, a seasoned climber from Skardu, lost his life in an avalanche near Camp I on Mount K2 (8,611m).

This season has been one of the driest the Karakoram has ever experienced. Expeditions on K2 and Broad Peak remain uncertain due to persistent rockfall and high winds. A brief period of snowfall has further increased the risk of avalanches. Climbers have completely abandoned attempts on Gasherbrum II following consistently severe weather conditions.