Two-time Olympic Biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier is missing following a mountaineering accident in the Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan and is reported to be at least seriously injured. Reports state the 32-year-old German star was hit by falling rocks on Monday at roughly 18,700 feet. On Tuesday, the search was suspended.
German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier, a double Olympic champion, has been at least seriously injured after a mountaineering accident in Pakistan, according to several media reports on Tuesday.
In a statement to German news outlet ZDF, Dahlmeier’s management explained what is believed to have happened. Currently, emergency responders have been unable to reach her.
“Laura Dahlmeier was climbing alpine style with her climbing partner on July 28th when she was hit by rockfall,” the statement read. “The accident happened around noon local time at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters [18,700 feet]. The climbing partner immediately called emergency services, and the rescue operation was initiated immediately.”
The Karakoram mountain range is located in the Kashmir region. According to Reuters, her management didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment. ZDF reported on Tuesday that a helicopter overflight was conducted, but no signs of life were found.
Biathlete Laura Dahlmeier missing after serious mountaineering accident
At around 12:30 p.m. (EDT), a Pakistani official told ZDF that the search for the missing athlete had been suspended due to darkness. The search will continue on Wednesday morning local time.
Laura Dahlmeir retired from Biathlon in 2019, aged 25. She became the first female biathlete to win both the spring and pursuit at the same Olympics.
This is a developing story.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Laura Dahlmeier and her family. We all pray she’s found alive.
