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Climber Convicted in Girlfriend’s Death Near Grossglockner
An Innsbruck court convicted a climber of manslaughter for leaving his partner exposed near Grossglockner, where she died of cold, giving him a suspended sentence and fine.
Webcam footage of Grossglockner Mountain, Austria, shows the light from the couple's torches.
An Austrian court in Innsbruck late Thursday found a 37-year-old amateur mountaineer guilty of manslaughter for his girlfriend’s death from cold near the summit of Grossglockner after he left her to seek help, according to local media reports.
The case is considered unusual because climbing accidents are relatively common, yet criminal prosecutions stemming from them are rare, even when mistakes are acknowledged.
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The court handed the defendant, identified only as Thomas P., a five-month suspended prison sentence and a €9,400 ($11,100) fine for causing her death in January 2025 through gross negligence, an offense that carries a maximum prison term of three years. The trial has raised questions about legal liability in high mountain environments, which are widely understood to be inherently dangerous and typically explored at climbers’ own risk.
Judges heard that after a day of climbing in which the couple fell far behind schedule, the woman, identified as Kerstin G., became exhausted and unable to continue about 50 meters (164 feet) below the summit on a freezing winter night.
According to court findings, Thomas P. Left her exposed to strong winds without wrapping her in her emergency blanket or bivouac bag items that remained in her rucksack when he went to seek assistance at a shelter on the other side of the summit. He said he could not fully explain why he failed to use the equipment.
A brief call he made to mountain police did not trigger a search because, authorities said, he did not clearly indicate they required rescue. He also failed to respond to return calls and WhatsApp messages asking whether help was needed. The defendant stated his phone had been set to airplane mode to conserve battery power.
“What I want to say is that I am so terribly sorry,” Thomas P., who pleaded not guilty, told the court.
Editor’s Note:
This report is based solely on court proceedings and statements presented during the trial in Innsbruck, as well as details reported by local media. The defendant denied guilt but was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence and issued a suspended sentence and fine. The case highlights legal questions surrounding responsibility in high-risk mountaineering environments, where accidents are common but criminal prosecutions are rare.
