An Austrian climber is on trial for alleged gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend died of hypothermia on the Grossglockner, with prosecutors claiming he left her near the summit in severe conditions while he sought help.
A climber has gone on trial in Austria accused of gross negligent manslaughter after his 33-year-old girlfriend, identified as Kerstin G, died of hypothermia during a winter ascent of the Grossglockner on 19 January 2025. Prosecutors in Innsbruck allege the defendant, identified in local media as Thomas P, was the “responsible guide for the tour” and made a series of critical errors, including starting late, failing to carry sufficient emergency equipment and not turning back despite severe weather conditions, ultimately leaving his exhausted partner near the summit while he descended to seek help.
They further claim he delayed contacting emergency services and failed to adequately protect her from the cold. His lawyer, Kurt Jelinek, denies the charges, describing the incident as “a tragic accident” and maintaining that the couple had planned the climb together, considered themselves experienced and well-prepared, and that his client is “deeply sorry” and offers “his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.” If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison in a case that has sparked debate about criminal liability in mountaineering.