An Austrian mountaineer has expressed deep remorse over the death of his girlfriend during a climb on Großglockner, Austria's highest peak, but denied criminal wrongdoing as his trial commenced in Innsbruck. The defendant, identified only as Thomas P, faces a charge of gross negligent manslaughter for the hypothermia death of 33-year-old Kerstin G.
In emotional testimony, Thomas P told the court he was not guilty, stating, 'I loved Kerstin and didn’t want anything to happen to her.' He acknowledged being 'endlessly sorry' for the tragedy that occurred on 19 January 2025, near the summit of the 3,800-metre mountain.
Prosecutors allege that Thomas P, as the more experienced climber, effectively acted as guide and abandoned his partner 'defenceless, exhausted, hypothermic and disoriented' about 50 metres from the summit while he sought help. They cite insufficient planning, inadequate clothing and equipment, failure to turn back despite harsh weather, and a delayed distress call as fatal errors.
Thomas P countered that the couple jointly planned and decided on the tour, contradicting earlier statements to police where he described taking the lead. He said the severe wind chill of -20°C took them by surprise, and he secured Kerstin G to a rock before descending for help at around 2am. He claimed she urged him to 'go on your own and save your own life.'
The defence presented a letter from Kerstin G's parents stating she took responsibility for her actions, noting her experience with difficult climbs. However, prosecutors cited a message from Kerstin G 12 weeks before her death, admitting she 'completely lack[ed] experience when it comes to winter tours.'
The trial, expected to set a legal precedent for mountain sports liability, continues with testimony from Alpine experts and over a dozen witnesses. If convicted, Thomas P faces up to three years in prison.
