Climber on Trial in Austria for Leaving Girlfriend to Die on Grossglockner

Published: 18 JFebruary 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

More than a year after a 33-year-old woman tragically froze to death on Austria’s highest mountain, her boyfriend faces trial accused of gross negligent manslaughter. The case has sparked intense debate, not only in Austria but among mountaineering communities worldwide, over the boundaries between personal judgment, risk-taking, and criminal liability.

Kerstin G lost her life due to hypothermia during a climbing expedition on the Grossglockner, Austria’s 3,798m (12,460ft) summit, on the night of 19 January 2025. Prosecutors allege that her partner, identified by Austrian media as Thomas P, left her unprotected and exhausted near the summit during a storm, while he went for help. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison.

The trial revolves around the claim that Thomas P, as the more experienced climber, acted as the “responsible guide for the tour” and failed to exercise due caution despite dangerous winter conditions. Prosecutors argue that he made multiple errors from the outset, including starting the climb late, carrying insufficient emergency equipment, and allowing his girlfriend to use snowboard soft boots unsuitable for high-altitude terrain.

According to state prosecutors in Innsbruck, Thomas P’s girlfriend had “never undertaken an Alpine tour of this length, difficulty, and altitude,” and yet he attempted the climb with her under winter conditions. They also point out that he ignored strong winds reaching 74km/h (45mph) and sub-zero temperatures with a windchill of -20°C.

The defense, led by lawyer Karl Jelinek, disputes these claims. Jelinek states that both climbers had relevant alpine experience, were in excellent physical condition, and had planned the expedition together. He describes Kerstin G’s death as “a tragic accident” rather than the result of negligence.

Eyewitness accounts differ on the sequence of events. The couple reportedly reached a point known as Frühstücksplatz at 13:30 on 18 January, beyond which turning back would have been difficult. Both were reportedly still able and willing to continue. By 20:50, prosecutors claim they became stuck, and Thomas P failed to call for help despite a police helicopter flying overhead around 22:50.

Jelinek maintains that at that point, neither climber was exhausted or overwhelmed. “Only later did his girlfriend show sudden signs of severe exhaustion,” he says, claiming Thomas P acted to get help as soon as he realized the seriousness of the situation. According to Jelinek, Thomas P left her 40 meters below the summit to scale the peak and descend the other side in search of assistance, with webcams capturing his torch-lit descent.

Prosecutors argue that he did not adequately shield her from the cold and delayed notifying emergency services until 03:30. The combination of extreme weather, isolation, and lack of protective measures ultimately led to Kerstin G freezing to death on the mountainside.

The trial has ignited a broader discussion in the mountaineering community about personal responsibility and legal accountability during high-risk expeditions. As Der Standard newspaper in Austria notes, a guilty verdict could represent “a paradigm shift for mountain sports,” potentially establishing criminal liability for guides or experienced climbers who misjudge risks to companions.

This case will likely resonate far beyond Austria’s borders, prompting climbers and mountaineering organizations to re-examine safety practices, decision-making, and legal responsibilities in extreme conditions. For Thomas P, the outcome could have serious legal and professional implications, while for the wider alpine community, it highlights the delicate balance between adventure, personal choice, and duty of care.

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