Laura Dahlmeier, an Olympic gold medalist, has died after a tragic climbing accident in Pakistan.
According to The Associated Press, Dahlmeier was climbing Laila Peak in the Karakoram mountain range on Monday, July 28, when she was struck and killed by falling rocks. Dahlmeier was climbing with a partner who survived the incident.
Dahlmeier's partner reportedly tried to reach the Olympian after the rock fall, but was unable to do so, and continued her descent for help.
Local officials say the area where Dalheimer was killed is incredibly difficult to reach, and it will now be up to her family if they'd like assistance in retrieving her body.
Officials say military helicopters are available for the recovery effort, but bad weather has made it impossible for them to get to the location of the accident.
A statement on Laura's Instagram page reads, "Laura enriched the lives of many, including our own, with her warm and straightforward manner. She showed us that it’s worth standing up for your dreams and goals and always staying true to yourself. We are deeply grateful, dear Laura, that we were allowed to share our lives with you. Our shared moments and memories give us the strength and courage to continue on our path."
Dahlmeier competed in the winter sport of biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship. She made history in 2018 as the first female to win gold at the Olympics in both the sprint and pursuit events in the same games.
She also competed at the Biathlon World Championships, taking home seven gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
German Olympic Sports Confederation President, Thomas Weikert, honored the athlete, saying, “Laura Dahlmeier leaves behind a legacy that goes far beyond medals: her dedication to sport, her passion for nature and her commitment to society make her an inspiring personality."
Dahlmeier retired from biathlon in 2019.
