Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time Winter Olympic gold medallist and renowned German biathlete, has died in a climbing accident in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan.
Dahlmeier, 31, was ascending Laila Peak on Monday when she was struck by falling rocks, according to a local government spokesperson.
Dahlmeier, who retired from biathlon in 2019, had turned to mountaineering challenges and was climbing with a partner, Marina Eva, who survived the incident.
Rescuers were able to confirm Dahlmeier’s death but were unable to retrieve her body due to unfavourable weather conditions.
A statement on Dahlmeier’s Instagram page revealed that it was her express wish that nobody risk their life to recover her body in the event of an accident.
As a result, her family has decided not to attempt to retrieve her body, and it will remain at the spot where she died.
Laura Dahlmeier won seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals at Biathlon World Championships, along with 20 World Cup races and the overall World Cup in the 2016-17 season.
She won gold medals in the sprint and pursuit races at the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018 and the bronze medal in the individual competition.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier offered his condolences to Dahlmeier’s parents, praising her as an exceptional sportswoman and role model.
The public is invited to share their condolences and memories of Laura Dahlmeier through her management team in Germany.