Two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier has died following a tragic mountaineering accident in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan. The 31-year-old German biathlete was struck by falling rocks while descending Leila Peak on July 28.

Dahlmeier and her climbing partner had summited the remote 6,096-meter peak and were rappelling down at around 5,700 meters when the fatal rockfall occurred. While her partner was unharmed and immediately called for emergency help, rough terrain, continued rockfall, and the mountain’s remote location delayed rescue efforts.

A helicopter reached the area the following morning but could not carry out an aerial rescue due to technical limitations and hazardous conditions. A ground rescue also proved impossible due to the ongoing instability of the slope and worsening weather.

According to visuals from the scene and her climbing partner’s report, officials believe Dahlmeier died instantly. Her body remains on the mountain.

Her management team confirmed the death in a public statement on July 30, saying it was Dahlmeier’s written wish that no one risk their life to retrieve her body. Her family also supported this decision, requesting that her final wishes be honored.

“Recovering the body is too risky for rescue workers under the current difficult conditions,” her team said. “Laura expressly wished to remain on the mountain in such a case.”

Dahlmeier, who retired from professional sports in 2019, had been climbing in the region with friends since June. She had already successfully summited the Great Trango Tower before taking on Leila Peak.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Dahlmeier was beloved for her warm, personality and her dedication to pushing herself to achieve her goals. Her team’s statement ended with a tribute: “She showed us that it’s worth standing up for your dreams and always staying true to yourself. We are deeply grateful, dear Laura, that we were allowed to share in your life.”