“She knew something was wrong” – Laura Dahlmeier’s last seconds on Laila Peak: What really happened in the deadly heights of Pakistan? A harmless climb turned into a nightmare – and no one could save her. 💔
Laura Dahlmeier in Pakistan: Moments before the disaster at Laila Peak
From legend to adventurer
Laura Dahlmeier – born in 1993 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen – achieved global fame as a biathlete. With seven world championship titles and Olympic gold at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, she made sports history: she became the first woman in biathlon to win both the sprint and pursuit at the same Games. She ended her professional career in 2019 at just 25 years old.
Driven by a thirst for adventure, she devoted herself to mountaineering – became a state-certified mountain and ski guide, commented on biathlon on television and was involved in mountain rescue services.
The expedition to Pakistan and the fateful crash
At the end of June 2025, Dahlmeier reached Pakistan. At the beginning of July, she successfully climbed the imposing Great Trango Tower. Her next goal: Laila Peak in the deeply incised Hushe Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan (Karakoram) – a technical, steep, and highly challenging summit with an elevation of approximately 6,069 meters.
On July 28 – during the descent at approximately 5,700 meters – the accident occurred: A large boulder broke loose, struck Dahlmeier, and hurled her against a rock face. Her rope partner, Marina Krauss, was positioned directly below her and saw her hit and then stopped moving.
Krauss, uninjured, frantically tried to reach Dahlmeier – to no avail. The terrain was treacherous, and the danger of rockfalls persisted. After hours, she decided to retreat for her own safety and sent out an SOS call.
Rescue attempts and the final certainty
The following morning, Pakistani military helicopters spotted Dahlmeier from the air, but weather, thin air and rockfall-prone terrain prevented a rescue maneuver
Anja Blacha and other experts later pointed to melting permafrost as the cause of increased rockfalls—a risk that is incalculable even for experienced alpinists like Dahlmeier. Reinhold Messner also emphasized the steep, dangerous nature of Laila Peak despite its comparatively “moderate” height.
On July 29, a team confirmed the death sentence—it is assumed that she was killed instantly. Because the conditions remained life-threatening, the recovery of her body was halted.
The last wish: respect for her courage and her decision
Dahlmeier had clearly stated in writing that no one should risk their life to recover her body. Her family confirmed her wishes and asked that they be respected.
Thomas Huber and Jackson Marvell, members of the rescue team, explained that it was their wish to leave the body on the mountain – “she was a mountain girl” and “now she is on a beautiful mountain.”
An international echo of grief
Following her death, numerous sports associations and political leaders published emotional tributes: German Federal President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier praised her as an ambassador , as a “role model for peaceful, joyful, and fair coexistence across borders.” Markus Söder praised her down-to-earth nature and connection to her homeland of Bavaria. The international sports and biathlon community expressed deep sadness at the loss.
Conclusion: A life full of passion ends on Laila Peak – in accordance with her ideals
Laura Dahlmeier embodied not only athletic excellence, but also a deep connection to nature, humility, and a sense of responsibility. Her death on Laila Peak—in a moment of unbridled belief in her own limits—leaves a painful void.
But her final wish not to be rescued so as not to endanger anyone else is an expression of her unique attitude: courageous, self-determined and with a respect for the mountain that is unparalleled.
She will be remembered not only as a champion, but as a human being – whose life and death mountains respected, not confronted.
