German Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier is stranded and seriously injured on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range after being struck by a devastating rockfall. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with helicopters set to make another attempt at evacuation after dawn on Wednesday.
What Happened?
Dahlmeier, 31, who famously won two gold medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics and dominated the 2017 Biathlon World Cup, was climbing Laila Peak with her rope partner, Marina Eva, when disaster struck around noon on Monday, July 28.
At approximately 5,700 meters (18,700 feet), a rockslide hit the duo, injuring Dahlmeier. Eva managed to descend with the help of rescue teams and reported her partner’s condition to emergency services.
According to a statement by her management to German broadcaster ZDF, the area’s remoteness delayed helicopter access until Tuesday morning. Initial flyovers indicated that Dahlmeier’s injuries are “serious”, and conflicting reports have emerged about whether any direct contact has since been established.
Pakistani Authorities Leading Search
Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan regional government, confirmed the incident and said a renewed attempt would be made Wednesday with military helicopters. He added, “Efforts to evacuate Dahlmeier by air will continue.”
Karrar Haidri, Vice President of the Pakistan Alpine Club, stated that coordinated rescue operations began as soon as the emergency call was received. “The terrain is extremely challenging, and unpredictable weather has slowed down progress,” Haidri said.
Who Is Laura Dahlmeier?
Laura Dahlmeier is one of Germany’s most decorated winter athletes. Before retiring in 2019, she had won:
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2 Olympic gold medals (PyeongChang 2018)
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5 World Championship gold medals (Hochfilzen 2017)
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The overall Biathlon World Cup in 2017
Since stepping away from competition, she has served as a commentator for ZDF and pursued outdoor adventures, often documenting her mountaineering journeys.
Dangerous Conditions in Northern Pakistan
Laila Peak, reaching 6,069 meters in the Karakoram range, is known for its stunning but treacherous terrain. The region has been battered by above-normal monsoon rains, triggering floods and landslides, which have complicated recent rescues and left at least 20 tourists missing near Chilas last week.
Each year, hundreds of climbers head to northern Pakistan to summit iconic peaks like K2, Nanga Parbat, and Laila Peak — but fatal accidents from avalanches, falls, and extreme weather remain a significant risk.
What Happens Next?
The next rescue attempt will be critical. Weather conditions, altitude, and fading daylight all play major roles in the success of such high-altitude missions. The global mountaineering and biathlon communities are anxiously awaiting updates on Dahlmeier’s condition.
As of now, no official statement has confirmed the full extent of her injuries or whether she has been stabilized.
Stay tuned for breaking updates on Laura Dahlmeier’s rescue efforts as this story continues to develop.