A renowned German athlete, Laura Dahlmeier, has tragically died in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range. Her management team confirmed the news on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old, a certified mountain and ski guide, was climbing the Laila Peak, at an altitude of 6,069 meters (approximately 19,911 feet), with her climbing partner on Monday when they were struck by a rockfall. The ongoing risk of further rockfalls significantly hampered rescue efforts.
An international rescue team deployed on Tuesday faced interruptions and adverse weather conditions prevented helicopter deployments. Recovery of her remains is currently deemed unfeasible.
Dahlmeier rose to international fame as a biathlete, claiming gold medals in the 7.5-kilometer sprint and 10-kilometer pursuit at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. She also secured a bronze medal in the 15-kilometer individual race. Throughout her career, she amassed a total of seven gold, three silver and five bronze medals at various World Championship events.