Laura Dahlmeier dies in tragic mountain accident

Dahlmeier was on an adventurous expedition with her rope partner and had already successfully climbed the Great Trango Tower (6287 m) on July 8, 2025. Laila Peak, a challenging and difficult-to-access pyramid, was to be the expedition's second goal. However, while abseiling down the steep descent, Dahlmeier was hit by a falling rock. Her rope partner immediately made an emergency call and tried in vain to reach her. However, due to the dangerous conditions with further falling rocks, she was unable to get any closer to the injured Dahlmeier.

Rescue was initially not possible due to the extreme weather conditions and the high risk of further rockfall. The rescue helicopter did not reach the scene of the accident until the morning of July 29. No signs of life were found during a flyover. The rescue operation was then temporarily suspended. On the evening of July 29, the rescue operation had to be finally called off due to darkness. Dahlmeier's rope partner remained unharmed and was accompanied back to base camp by other climbers.

Laura Dahlmeier's family announced in a statement that it had been their wish that no one would risk their lives to rescue her in the event of an accident. This wish has been respected and Dahlmeier's body is to remain at Laila Peak.

Laura Dahlmeier was a true gift to sport and to life. She did something no woman had done before at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, and that is gold in both the Sprint and Pursuit biathlon. IOC President, Kirsty Coventry said, “Laura made history at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics as the first female biathlete to win sprint and pursuit gold at the same Games edition. She will be remembered forever. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.” She showed her skills on the world stage with elegance and grace.

What made Laura special was not just her medals, but her quiet strength. She stood on the podium with humility. She never bragged. She simply let her hard work speak. She was a star who stayed grounded, and reached heights not many could even think of. Her presence inspired thousands to believe in themselves and chase their own dreams.

In 2019, a year after her heroics at the Olympics, Laura surprised everyone by announcing her retirement at just 25. She had won it all. Yet she stepped away. Why? She wanted more from life than medals. On Instagram, her team wrote, “It’s worth standing up for your dreams … and always staying true to yourself.” She chose a life full of purposes.

Laura became a mountain guide. She spoke at events. She helped young people find direction. She did good things quietly. For her, real joy was in real connections, not in temporary fame or social media attention. She didn’t follow a script, she rather made and followed her own path to success.

I am looking for a certain challenge in life. Just going on a beach vacation would be too boring for me. Of course, the risk is higher on the mountain. But it gives me a lot of strength.

Nature was Laura’s first love, even before biathlon. She loved peaceful moments in the mountains, as she felt free there. Sadly, she died on July 28 doing what she loved most, i.e., climbing a 5,700-meter-high Laila Peak in the Karakoram Range.
 
Her management said in an official statement on Instagram,

We say goodbye to a great person. Laura enriched our lives … with her warm and straightforward manner.

She made people around her smile. She lifted others with her kindness and courage. One of her brand partners, Adidas, shared,

The Adidas family is filled with deep sorrow at the loss of Laura Dahlmeier. Laura reminded us that strength is not just measured in speed or medals, but in the courage to stand up, speak out, and care deeply. She left behind not only a trail of victories, but a world made better by her presence.

The sudden death of Laura Dahlmeier is a great loss for the sporting world. She will be remembered as a passionate athlete and person. The Dahlmeier family remembers her as a "great person" who enriched the lives of many with her warm and ambitious nature. Her family and friends are grateful for the shared memories that give them strength even in these difficult times.

The tragic news leave a lasting legacy in the biathlon world and also in mountain sports. The German Ski Association wrote:

She was not only one of the most successful athletes in the history of the German Ski Association, but also an extraordinary person full of joie de vivre, courage and warmth - on and off the track. She touched and inspired us with her passion for the sport, her down-to-earth attitude and her infectious laugh.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also had this to say:

Laura Dahlmeier was an exceptional athlete whose international successes in the biathlon not only fascinated and inspired winter sports fans. [...] She was an ambassador for our country in the world, a role model for peaceful, cheerful and fair coexistence across borders. That's how I will remember her, that's how many people in our country will remember her.

Thomas Weikert, President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, said,

The DOSB and the whole of German sport mourn the loss of Laura Dahlmeier.

These words reflect the respect and admiration the Olympic champion earned from fans, athletes, and officials alike. 

ISPO.com commemorates Laura Dahlmeier, her career, and her passion for the sport that inspired so many.  At ISPO events, we met Laura and felt her spirit. We saw her love for sport and life. We heard her speak with wisdom and warmth. Her presence touched many. Her story gave hope. She lived with purpose and passion. 

Laura’s life, from her early career to surprise retirement, reminds us: true greatness is being kind, honest, and humble. She modeled that with every step she took. She was not just a champion in sports, but outside the sports as well. She leaves behind a legacy of courage and compassion. 

Our sincere condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone who was touched by her positive energy.

Laura, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You were more than a champion. You were a friend, a guide, a light. You lived life fully, with passion and grace, showing us that success feels better when it’s shared with kindness.  

Your time with us was too short. Yet your light won’t fade at all. You’ll stay among us. An athlete who made history, and a person who made lives better without expecting anything apart from love in return.

Rest peacefully, Laura Dahlmeier. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.