Authorities abandon recovery of German Olympian killed in Pakistan
Dahlmeier was confirmed dead on Wednesday, having been hit by falling rocks while climbing at an altitude of 5,700 metres (18,700 feet) on Laila Peak in the Karakoram range.
Attempts to recover her body were abandoned due to "dangerous" conditions at the site, Dahlmeier's management agency said Thursday.
In consultation with the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the agency said her relatives would "continue to monitor the situation... and are keeping the option of arranging a rescue at a later date".
Several of Dahlmeier's colleages confirmed the two-time Olympic gold medallist had said she did not want her body recovered if it put any would-be rescuers at risk.
German mountaineer Thomas Huber was part of a team who had attempted a rescue but told reporters on Thursday, "We have decided she should stay, because that was her wish."
Another member of the rescue team, American Jackson Marvell told AFP it would be "disrespectful" to recover her body contrary to her wishes.
Marvell said "the recovery of Laura's body will be possible, but it involves incredible risks, both on foot and by helicopter".
Dahlmeier's climbing partner Marina Krauss, who was with her at the time of the incident, said at a press conference on Thursday the former Olympian did not move after being caught in a rockfall.
"I saw Laura being hit by a huge rock and then being thrown against the wall. And from that moment on, she didn't move again," Krauss told reporters.
Krauss said she was unable to reach Dahlmeier and called for outside support. "It was impossible for me to get there safely. It was clear to me the only way to help her was to call a helicopter. She didn't move, she didn't show any signs (of movement). I called out to her, but there was no response. She only had a chance if help arrived immediately," she said.
Dahlmeier won seven world championship gold medals, and at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang she became the first woman biathlete to win both the sprint and the pursuit at the same Games.
Dahlmeier retired from professional competition in 2019 at the age of 25.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Pakistan slump to 92 all out as West Indies win ODI series
An inspired Jayden Seales led the West Indies to a crushing 202-run victory over Pakistan in the third and deciding one-day international in Trinidad on Tuesday. The fast bowler blew away the Pakistan top order en route to figures of 6-18 as the tourists were bundled out for just 92 in a chase of 295 to win. The Windies had reached 294-6 in their 50 overs batting first, powered by captain Shai Hope's brilliant unbeaten hundred. The Caribbean side sealed a much-needed first ODI series win against Pakistan since 1991, after being swept aside 3-0 and 5-0 in Test and T20 series respectively by Australia earlier in the summer. "We stress on negatives a lot in West Indies," said Hope. "So many positives to shout about. Great to see the guys pulling off history. "Seales is a quality bowler... He's a class act. Anything you ask him to do, he puts his hands up." Pakistan's reply got off to a horrendous start as Seales removed Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan inside the first three overs to reduce them to 8-3. Seales then trapped Babar Azam lbw for just nine to leave Pakistan's hopes of a 2-1 series win in tatters. "Seales made it difficult for us. Done so throughout the series. But we lost three early wickets, that's what cost us," said Pakistan skipper Rizwan. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took two wickets through the middle overs, before Seales returned to remove tailenders Hasan Ali and Naseem Shah and complete a six-fer. The hosts, who lost the opening game of the series, wrapped up the win when Pakistan number 11 Abrar Ahmed was run out by Roston Chase. Pakistan had started strongly with the ball after winning the toss and electing to field, as the West Indies struggled to find the boundary. The home side were 68-3 when Keacy Carty was dismissed lbw by Abrar for a 45-ball 17. The usually big-hitting Sherfane Rutherford also never got going and crawled to 15 from 40 deliveries before falling to Ayub. But Chase helped revive the innings with a quickfire 36, giving Hope some much-needed assistance. Chase was bowled by Naseem and Motie was caught and bowled by Mohammad Nawaz as the West Indies' batting effort threatened to peter out. But Hope and Justin Greaves plundered 110 runs from the final 8.1 overs in a blistering assault to get their team close to 300. Hope finished on 120 not out, with 10 fours and five sixes, completing his 18th one-day international century. He now sits behind only Brian Lara and Chris Gayle on the all-time list for most ODI tons for the Windies. Greaves more than played his part, clubbing an unbeaten 43 from just 24 balls.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Pakistan face fifth bowler dilemma ahead of West Indies decider
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged a dilemma over the fifth bowler and said they would take a late decision on their team combination for Tuesday's series decider following their defeat in the second one-day international on Sunday. Pakistan, who won the opening ODI by five wickets, posted a competitive 171-7 in 37 overs in a rain-truncated match but West Indies prevailed by five wickets to draw level in the three-match series. Pakistan's part-time duo of Saim Ayub and Salman Agha conceded a combined 66 runs in seven wicketless overs as West Indies cruised home. "You could say our fifth bowler gave away too many runs but in recent years, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub have both bowled well for us," Rizwan said after the match. "Saim didn't have the best day today, but he performed well in the T20Is. That's just part of the game." Rizwan said they could not read the conditions and several rain delays did not help their cause. "Honestly, the weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it's hard to read. "We're keeping our options open and will finalise the XI after assessing the conditions." Pakistan had won the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1.
The National
5 days ago
- The National
Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali suspended as he faces criminal investigation in UK
Pakistan batter Haider Ali has been provisionally suspended by his nation's cricket board after he was placed under criminal investigation by Greater Manchester Police following an incident during an A team tour of England. The Pakistan Cricket Board said an investigation involving Haider stemmed from 'an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens' recent tour of England.' The Pakistan board did not specify the nature of the investigation into the 24-year-old Ali. 'The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course,' the PCB said in a statement. 'Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. 'Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary.' Haider has represented Pakistan in 35 Twenty20 Internationals since making his debut in 2020 and has also played two ODIs. According to the Associated Press, the incident occurred at the end of last month. 'It's alleged that the incident occurred on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at a premises in Manchester,' a police statement said, according to AP. 'The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries.'
