A man is set to stand trial accused of leaving his girlfriend to freeze to death on Austria's highest mountain after a climb descended into tragedy.
The Fatal Ascent on Grossglockner
Prosecutors allege that Thomas Plamberger, 36, an experienced mountaineer, abandoned his 33-year-old girlfriend Kerstin Gurtner during a climb of the Grossglockner in January. The couple began their ascent late, around two hours behind schedule, which meant their climb extended into the night.
As they approached the summit, webcam images tracking their head torches showed the lights dimming as batteries failed. Kerstin, wearing soft snow boots unsuitable for the mixed terrain and high altitude, began to struggle in -20C temperatures and 46mph winds. She became exhausted, hypothermic, and disoriented.
Allegations of Negligence and Delay
According to the prosecution, Plamberger, acting as the guide for the tour, encouraged Kerstin to continue instead of turning back. When she could go no further, he reportedly left her unprotected, about 50 metres below the summit cross, to descend alone and seek help.
Investigators claim he failed to use emergency equipment like a bivouac sack or rescue blanket to shelter her. Crucially, they allege a significant delay in alerting rescue services. The pair became stranded around 8:50pm, but Plamberger did not speak to Alpine Police until approximately 12:35am, despite a police helicopter flying overhead earlier. He reportedly put his phone on silent and did not finally notify mountain rescue until 3:30am.
Rescue teams, battling hurricane-force winds, could not reach Kerstin until the following morning. She was found dead, having frozen just 150 feet from the summit.
A Trial and Conflicting Accounts
Plamberger has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence and faces up to three years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors state he ignored his girlfriend's lack of experience on such demanding alpine high-altitude tours.
Through his lawyer, Kurt Jelinek, Plamberger has denied the accusations, maintaining that Kerstin's death was a "tragic, fateful accident" and that he left only to get help. His trial is scheduled to begin in February.
Kerstin Gurtner, who described herself online as a "winter child" and a "mountain person", is remembered by friends in heartfelt online tributes. A forensic investigation examined phones, sports watches, and photos, and consulted alpine experts to build the case.
