German media outlet BILD has reported the tragic death of former biathlon star and Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier during a mountaineering expedition in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan.

The 30-year-old, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and seven-time world champion in biathlon, was reportedly struck by falling rocks on July 28 while climbing in alpine style with a partner. The pair had been attempting a challenging ascent in one of the world’s most remote and treacherous mountain regions.

A distress call was issued immediately, but the isolated nature of the location delayed the response. A rescue helicopter was dispatched early on July 29, but had to suspend operations later that evening due to fading light. The search resumed the following day, and by the afternoon of July 30, authorities confirmed that Dahlmeier had died.

Schweren Herzens nehmen wir Abschied von Laura Dahlmeier 🖤

Ihr plötzlicher Tod macht uns fassungslos.

Sie war mehr als eine Olympiasiegerin – sie war ein Mensch mit Herz, Haltung und Vision.

Deine Geschichte wird weiterleben, Laura. pic.twitter.com/54CWBo4oMd

— DOSB (@DOSB) July 30, 2025