An Austrian mountaineer has told a court in Innsbruck he is "endlessly sorry" that his girlfriend froze to death during a joint climb of Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak, but he denied criminal wrongdoing. The 37-year-old defendant, identified only as Thomas P, is charged with gross negligent manslaughter over the death by hypothermia of his 33-year-old partner, Kerstin G, on the morning of 19 January 2025.
Prosecutors allege that Thomas P, as the far more experienced alpinist, acted as de facto guide and left Kerstin G "defenceless, exhausted, hypothermic and disoriented" about 50 metres from the summit while he went to seek help. They cite insufficient planning, inadequate clothing and equipment, failure to turn back despite icy winds of up to 74km/h, and a delayed decision to alert rescue teams.
Giving evidence on the first day of the trial, Thomas P said he and Kerstin G had planned the tour together and taken decisions jointly, contradicting earlier police statements. He said the adverse conditions, with wind chill plunging to -20C, had taken them by surprise. Asked why he did not call emergency services before leaving her at about 2am, he said he secured her to the rock with a rope after she had no strength left. He told the court she shouted: "Go, go on your own and save your own life."
The defence read out a letter from Kerstin G's parents, who said their daughter took responsibility for her own actions and had climbed far more difficult mountains. However, the prosecution cited a message from Kerstin G to Thomas P 12 weeks before her death, in which she said she completely lacked experience with winter tours.
The case, which has drawn international attention partly because webcam images captured the couple's climb, is expected to set a legal precedent for mountain sports liability. About 8,400 accidents occur in Austria's mountains each year, but criminal proceedings are rare. The judge, who specialises in mountaineering, will hear from two Alpine experts and more than a dozen witnesses.
