Climber found guilty of negligence
An Austrian man, identified as Thomas P under local privacy laws, has been found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend, Kerstin G, died of hypothermia on Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, in January 2025. He received a five-month suspended sentence and a €9,600 (£8,400) fine.
The court cited mitigating factors, including Thomas P’s clean record and the emotional impact of losing someone close. It also considered the public scrutiny and social media attention surrounding the case.
Expert testimony highlights inexperience
Judge Norbert Hofer, an experienced climber involved in mountain rescue, said Thomas P was a skilled alpinist, while Kerstin G lacked experience in winter conditions. The judge concluded that Thomas P misjudged the situation but did not leave her behind intentionally.
The court also heard testimony from a former girlfriend who recalled being left alone on a prior Grossglockner trip, highlighting a pattern of risky behaviour.
Harsh conditions on the mountain
The fatal climb involved severe conditions: strong winds of up to 74 km/h (45 mph) and temperatures of -8°C with a wind chill of -20°C. Prosecutors argued that as the more experienced climber, Thomas P had a duty to guide and protect his partner. They said he failed to call for help in time and neglected opportunities to signal distress, including when a police helicopter flew nearby.
Dispute over decisions and timing
Video and webcam footage show the couple climbing close to the summit before Kerstin G became exhausted. Thomas P called the mountain police at 00:35 on 19 January, but the content of the call is disputed. He descended the mountain alone shortly after, leaving her behind, and prosecutors say she died around 02:00.
The defence stressed that Kerstin G had been active in mountaineering since 2020 and knew the risks. They argued that Thomas P and his girlfriend did not initially feel in danger and were close to reaching the summit when conditions worsened.
Impact on mountaineering communities
The case has sparked debate in Austria and internationally, highlighting the fine line between personal judgment and criminal responsibility in high-risk outdoor activities. Questions remain about when climbers can be held legally accountable for accidents.
The verdict is subject to appeal.
Source: BBC
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