OLYMPICS.COM – German double Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has passed away at the age of 31.
An experienced and certified mountaineer, the seven-time world champion was on a trip in the Karakoram mountains in Pakistan when she was caught in a rockfall around noon on 28 July at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres, according to her management company.
Her mountaineering partner immediately alerted rescue services, and an international team was dispatched to the area. However, as the accident took place in a remote area, a helicopter did not reach the site until the morning of 29 July.
Her passing was confirmed on Wednesday, 30 July.
“Laura Dahlmeier died on 28 July in a mountain accident on Laila Peak (6,069 metres) in Pakistan’s Karakoram range,” her representatives said.
“A recovery operation was launched but ultimately called off on the evening of 29 July.”
Her family shared a heartfelt message after the tragic news was confirmed:
“We say farewell to a wonderful human being. With her warm and sincere nature, Laura enriched our lives and the lives of many others. She showed us that it’s worth standing up for one’s dreams and goals, while always staying true to oneself.”
Tributes poured in from all over the world. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended his condolences to Dahlmeier’s parents, calling the athlete “an exceptional sportswoman.”
With her two gold medals at PyeongChang 2018, Dahlmeier became the first female biathlete in history to win sprint and pursuit events at the same Olympic Games.
She also picked up a bronze in the individual at those Games, despite missing the beginning of the season due to illness.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry paid tribute to Dahlmeier, saying,
“The news about the passing of two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier in a terrible mountaineering accident is deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic Movement. She lost her life in her beloved mountains … “
