Two-Time Olympic Champion Dead At 31 After Climbing Accident

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier was involved in a climbing accident near Karakorum Mountains this past Monday. Roughly 48 hours later, her management team confirmed that she passed away.

Dahlmeier was in Pakistan when this tragic accident occurred. According to reports, she was caught in a rockfall at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters. Even though rescue services were alerted about this incident, they struggled to get to her. 

"Laura Dahlmeier was climbing with her mountaineering partner on 28 July when she was caught in a rockfall. The accident took place around noon local time at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres," her management said. "Her partner immediately called emergency services, and a rescue operation began immediately. Due to the remoteness of the area, a helicopter was only able to reach the site of the accident on the morning of 29 July."

Unfortunately, Dahlmeier couldn't be saved. She died at the young age of 31.

Dahlmeier won two gold medals at the 2018 Olympics, becoming the first female biathlete to win the sprint and pursue events in the same Winter Games. She also picked up a bronze medal in the 15km individual event. 

After dominating the PyeongChang Olympics, she announced her retirement from competitive  biathlon.