Austrian Climber Found Guilty After Girlfriend Froze to Death on Mountain
Tragic Case of Negligence in Mountaineering
An Austrian climber has been found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter following a tragic incident where his girlfriend froze to death on Austria’s highest mountain last year. The climber, known only as Thomas P due to Austrian privacy laws, has received a five-month suspended sentence and a fine of €9,600 (£8,400).
The Incident on Grossglockner Mountain
– Victim: Kerstin G, who died from hypothermia during a winter climbing trip on Grossglockner in January 2025.
– Court Findings: The court emphasized Thomas P’s prior clean record and the grieving loss of his girlfriend as mitigating factors.
– Public Perception: Social media discussions surrounding the case were notably incriminating for the defendant.
Judge’s Remarks on Climbing Skills
Judge Norbert Hofer, an experienced climber himself, remarked that while Thomas P was highly skilled, his girlfriend lacked the necessary experience in winter conditions. The judge highlighted the couple’s crucial decision to continue climbing despite Kerstin G’s significant inexperience.
– Misjudgment: The court recognized Thomas P’s error in judgment but clarified that he did not willfully abandon his girlfriend.
– Personal Context: The judge expressed empathy, stating he did not view Thomas P as a murderer or cold-hearted person.
Testimony from a Former Partner
The court also heard emotional testimony from Andrea B, a former girlfriend of Thomas P. She recounted a previous climbing tour where she felt abandoned and left alone after becoming disoriented during a climb on Grossglockner in 2023.
Evidence from the Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations revealed troubling details about Kerstin’s fall:
– Body Position: Her body was discovered hanging upside down from a rock face, raising concerns about the circumstances leading to her death.
– Weather Conditions: The region faced strong winds of up to 74 km/h (45 mph) and temperatures plummeting to -8°C, with a windchill effect of -20°C at the time.
The prosecution stated that as the more experienced climber, Thomas P bore responsibility for the expedition and failed to call for timely assistance. They argued that his decisions placed both climbers in perilous situations.
The Climbers’ Communication
– Initial Climb: Video footage from a police helicopter showed the couple continuing their journey late into the night, raising questions about their state of mind.
– Emergency Call: Thomas P made a call to mountain police at 00:35 on January 19. The nature of this call is disputed, with prosecutors claiming it was not treated as an emergency.
The Aftermath and Discussions
The case has stirred significant debate not only in Austria but also within global mountaineering communities. It raises essential questions regarding the boundaries between personal judgment, risk-taking, and criminal liability in high-stakes situations.
As the case goes to appeal, many continue to reflect on the responsibilities climbers hold for one another in the unpredictable realms of extreme sports.