German Olympian Dies While Climbing in Pakistan

German Olympian Laura Dahlmeier has died while climbing in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range. She was fatally struck by falling rocks last Monday during a mountaineering expedition. In accordance with her wishes, her body was not recovered from the site.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Dahlmeier was accompanied by Marina Eva during the climb. After the accident, Eva contacted emergency services. The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters, prompting immediate rescue efforts by specialized teams from Germany and the United States, but the operation was hampered by adverse weather conditions.

Dahlmeier’s management company stated on Wednesday that she likely died on July 28, the day of the accident.

A statement released on her Instagram account said:

“Laura had made her wishes clear and in writing — that in the event of such an accident, no one should risk their life trying to retrieve her. She wanted her remains to stay in the mountains. Her loved ones also support this wish and ask that her final request be respected.”

Dahlmeier, a former Olympian, had mountaineering experience from two Winter Olympic Games, and won two gold medals and one bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. She became the first woman in history to win gold in both the sprint and pursuit events in a single Olympics.

Before retiring in 2019, she competed in five World Championships, winning a total of 15 medals, including seven golds.