Laura Dahlmeier: Garmisch mourns the tragic mountaineer

Laura Dahlmeier: Garmisch mourns the tragic mountaineer

The sports world is in shock: Laura Dahlmeier, the 31-year-old exceptional biathlon athlete and Olympic champion, died in a tragic mountain accident in Pakistan on July 28, 2025. In a dramatic twist, she was hit by a rockfall at Laila Peak, at a majestic 5,700 meters altitude, which management said resulted in immediate fatal injuries that preclude rapid recovery of the body. Given the difficult conditions and the constant risk of further rock falls, repatriation is currently not possible under these circumstances. Nevertheless, in a final act of attention to the safety of others, Dahlmeier expressed his express wish to leave her final resting place on the mountain so as not to endanger other mountaineers. However, her family has reserved the possibility of a later rescue.

Thomas Huber, a close friend and legendary mountaineer, also spoke out and asked for respect for the family's wishes. Grief and loss are also noticeable in her hometown of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In the midst of these difficult times, Mayor Elisabeth Koch spoke of the positive memories of Dahlmeier and announced that she wanted to rename the spa park Laura Dahlmeier Park. The family, including her parents Andreas and Susi, mourn tirelessly for their beloved daughter. Andreas in particular, an alpinist himself, suffers greatly from the loss. Dahlmeier's cousin Paulina Weigelt and close confidants also express their sympathy and sadness on social media.

A life for sport and the mountains

Laura Dahlmeier was not only an exceptional talent in biathlon. Her successes spoke for themselves: she was Olympic champion, world champion and overall World Cup winner. As a child, she accompanied her father on climbing tours and discovered the mountains in Bavaria and beyond. Fascinated by nature, she lived her passions - both in sports and in the mountains. After a season in which she shone with further World Cup medals in biathlon history, she announced her retirement and from then on devoted herself more to the mountains. However, her withdrawal from sport was not a loss, but rather opened up new opportunities for her as a TV expert for ZDF.

Known for her down-to-earth nature and her ability to concentrate and excel in competition, Dahlmeier leaves a legacy not only in biathlon, but also in the community that she shaped. Former national coach Uwe Müssiggang highlighted her willpower and praised her ability to show strength in the crucial moment. The mourning for Laura Dahlmeier is not just the mourning for an athlete, but for a role model who was dedicated to many people. Her memories will continue to live in the hearts of her fans and companions.