Laura Dahlmeier, a former biathlete, died after being struck by a rockfall while climbing in Pakistan. According to management, she expressly requested that no one endanger their life in the case of a rescue.
Laura Dahlmeier, a former German biathlete, was killed in a climbing accident in Pakistan. Her management informed the German Press Agency (dpa). The 31-year-old was struck by a rockfall on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains. Her greatest love was mountaineering and climbing.
The rescue mission was unsuccessful and hence ended. A helicopter had flown over the accident scene the day before and discovered no indications of life. According to the rope partner’s description of Dahlmeier’s injuries, he died immediately.
Recovering the corpse was deemed too dangerous for rescue crews under the prevailing tough conditions, which included rockfall and a rapid change in weather on Laila Peak, and hence was not practicable. A helicopter rescue was also impossible.
“It was Laura Dahlmeier’s express and written wish that in a case like this, no one should risk their life to rescue her,” management said. “Her wish was to leave her body on the mountain in this case. This is also in the spirit of her relatives, who also expressly request that Laura’s final wishes be respected.”
“We are saying goodbye to a wonderful person,” the family said, thanking the rescuers. “Laura enriched our lives and the lives of many with her warm and straightforward manner. She showed us that it’s worth standing up for your own dreams and goals and always staying true to yourself.”
The Garmisch-Partenkirchen native was climbing with her climbing partner in alpine style, with as little luggage as possible and no expedition supplies, when a rockfall struck at roughly 5,700 meters on Monday around noon local time.
The event happened during a rappelling manoeuvre. Her unharmed rope companion immediately contacted emergency personnel, and a rescue effort was launched.
According to accounts, Dahlmeier’s climbing companion attempted to rescue her for several hours. However, this proved impossible owing to the treacherous terrain and continuing rockfall. After her climbing companion could no longer detect any indications of life, she opted to leave the danger zone for the night and continue her descent.
Climbers who had joined her on the ascent followed her to base camp. She is unharmed and is undergoing on-site treatment.
The Karakoram Mountains are home to K2, the world’s second tallest mountain (8,611 meters). The Karakoram Mountains span northern Pakistan, India, and western China. Dahlmeier’s tragedy occurred on Laila Peak, which is located in northern Pakistan. The Karakoram Mountains are a contested border territory between Pakistan, China, and India. The majority of the territory is in Gilgit-Baltistan, an independent area administered by Pakistan.
The seven-time world champion has apparently been visiting the region with pals since late June. On July 8th, she successfully climbed the Great Trango Tower (6,287 meters), which is also located in Pakistan. Laila Peak was the second intended target.
Every year, the region attracts daring mountaineers. However, even in summer , the risks of avalanches and severe weather remain high . The area’s remote location also complicates rescue efforts. Foreigners require a permit to climb the mountain.
Mountaineer Messner told RTL/ntv: “Laila Peak is a very steep mountain, making it difficult to climb. A normal alpinist has little chance, but they will be frightened when they see this peak.”
The mountain is difficult to climb from all sides and is mostly covered in ice, Messner explained. In addition to rockfall, there is also a risk of icefall and avalanches. “In the event of an avalanche or rockfall, our chances of rescue are relatively limited,” explained the 80-year-old mountaineering icon.
The former professional athlete from Garmisch-Partenkirchen was a state-certified mountain and ski guide, an active member of the mountain rescue service, and considered an experienced and risk-conscious mountaineer. Her last Instagram post to date was about four weeks ago. There, she described, among other things, her preparations for the upcoming expeditions.
“Off to new adventures – with home always in our hearts,” Dahlmeier wrote about his departure for Asia . Because the comment function was disabled on the management post about the accident in Pakistan, numerous well-wishes and messages from friends and fans poured in underneath the post.
Dahlmeier served as a mountain and ski guide, as well as on the DAV Summit Club squad. According to Managing Director Manfred Lorenz, she leads six to eight trips in the Alps each year, including the Bernina Range and Ötztal Valley. “We can only hope for a miracle.” The DAV Summit Club has not sponsored excursions in Pakistan for several years owing to the political climate, but things have lately stabilised.
Source: Rheinische Post | Follow Europeans24 for more updates!
