An Austrian mountaineer has expressed deep remorse over his girlfriend's death from hypothermia during a climb on Grossglockner, but denied criminal wrongdoing as his trial began in Innsbruck. The 37-year-old defendant, identified only as Thomas P, faces a charge of gross negligent manslaughter for the death of his 33-year-old partner, Kerstin G, whom prosecutors say he abandoned near the summit.
In emotional testimony, Thomas P told the court, 'I loved Kerstin and didn’t want anything to happen to her.' He said he was 'endlessly sorry' for the tragedy, which occurred on 19 January 2025. The couple was attempting to ascend Austria's highest peak, which stands at nearly 3,800 metres above sea level.
Prosecutors argue that Thomas P, as the more experienced climber, acted as the de facto guide and made critical errors, including insufficient planning, inadequate clothing and equipment, and failing to turn back despite icy winds of up to 74km/h. They claim he left Kerstin G 'defenceless, exhausted, hypothermic and disoriented' about 50 metres from the summit while he sought help.
Thomas P, however, insisted that decisions were made jointly and that he did not lead the tour. He said the adverse conditions took them by surprise, as the wind was minimal at lower altitudes. He also stated that he secured Kerstin G with a rope before descending, and that she urged him to 'go on your own and save your own life' when he returned.
The defence presented a letter from Kerstin G's parents, who wrote that their daughter 'takes responsibility for her own actions' and that they could not blame her boyfriend. However, prosecutors cited a message from Kerstin G to Thomas P 12 weeks before the climb, in which she admitted lacking experience in winter tours.
The trial is expected to set a legal precedent for liability in mountain sports, as such cases rarely lead to criminal proceedings in Austria, where about 8,400 mountain accidents occur annually. The judge, who specialises in mountaineering, will hear testimony from Alpine experts and over a dozen witnesses.
