Why Was Laura Dahlmeier's Body Never Recovered? Inside Her Tragic Death on Laila Peak

German double Olympic gold medallist Laura Dahlmeier died on 28 July 2025 during a mountaineering expedition on Laila Peak in the Karakoram range of northern Pakistan. The 31-year-old former biathlete was struck by falling rocks at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres. Her climbing partner survived the incident and raised the alarm, but due to extreme conditions and a prior written request from Dahlmeier herself, rescuers ultimately did not retrieve her body.

Rockfall Incident on Laila Peak

According to a post on Dahlmeier's Instagram account, the fatal incident occurred as Dahlmeier and her partner Marina Eva attempted to ascend Laila Peak, a technically challenging 6,069-metre summit located in the Pakistani Karakoram Range. The area is known for steep ice faces and frequent rockfall hazards. According to the same post, the accident happened during a high camp push, when dislodged rocks hit Dahlmeier while she was navigating a narrow section of the route.

Eva was able to descend and reach base camp, where she alerted authorities. Rescue efforts were launched promptly, but unstable weather and further rockfall risks delayed helicopter access to the site. By the time a rescue team arrived the following morning, no signs of life were found.

Why Recovery Was Called Off

The decision not to retrieve Dahlmeier's body was based on multiple factors, including treacherous terrain and high-altitude risk to rescuers. However, her team later revealed that this course of action also honoured Dahlmeier's express written request.

In a statement confirmed by her management, Dahlmeier had documented her wish that, in the event of a fatal accident, no one should endanger themselves to recover her remains. Her family supported the decision, noting that it reflected her deep respect for the mountains and the risks involved in such expeditions.

The regional government of Gilgit-Baltistan suspended the operation, citing both safety and the climber's final wishes.

A Transition from Biathlon to Mountaineering

Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1993, Dahlmeier became one of Germany's most decorated winter athletes. She claimed two gold medals and one bronze at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and amassed seven world championship titles across a short but dominant career. In 2017, she also won the overall Biathlon World Cup.

Dahlmeier retired from professional biathlon in May 2019 at the age of 25, citing exhaustion and a desire to explore new passions. She later trained as a certified mountain and ski guide and pursued increasingly ambitious climbs. In 2024, she completed a rapid ascent of Ama Dablam in Nepal, and earlier in 2025, she summited the Great Trango Tower in Pakistan.

She also worked as a TV commentator for ZDF, volunteered in mountain rescue operations, and co-authored educational books on nature and the environment.

Global Tributes to a Versatile Athlete

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) expressed its condolences, calling Dahlmeier 'one of the greatest athletes to grace biathlon'. The German Olympic Sports Confederation also released a statement, noting that she was 'more than an Olympic champion — she was someone with heart, attitude and vision', as reported by BBC.

Figures from across the global sporting community, including fellow winter Olympians, climbing professionals and German public officials, shared tributes on social media. Many highlighted her transition from elite sport to high-risk mountaineering as a testament to her courage and discipline.

As of 30 July, Dahlmeier remains on Laila Peak, in accordance with her own request.