By Blessing Nweke
More than a year after a 33-year-old woman froze to death on Austria’s highest peak, her boyfriend went on trial Thursday accused of gross negligent manslaughter in a case that has stirred debate across the country’s mountaineering community.
Kerstin G died of hypothermia during a winter ascent of the 3,798-meter (12,460-foot) Grossglockner on 19 January 2025. Prosecutors in Innsbruck allege her boyfriend, identified by Austrian media as Thomas P, acted as the “responsible guide for the tour” and made a series of critical errors that led to her death.
According to prosecutors, Thomas P, described as the more experienced climber, failed to turn back despite strong winds of up to 74 km/h and temperatures of minus 8 degrees Celsius, with windchill reaching minus 20. They allege he began the climb two hours too late, did not carry sufficient emergency bivouac equipment and allowed his girlfriend to wear unsuitable snowboard soft boots for the mixed high-altitude terrain.
The couple pressed on past Frühstücksplatz, a point after which retreat before the summit becomes difficult. Prosecutors say they became stranded around 20:50 and that Thomas P failed to signal for help when a police helicopter flew overhead later that night. He eventually contacted mountain police at 00:35, but authorities allege he muted his phone and delayed further communication.
His lawyer, Karl Jelinek, rejects the charges, calling the incident “a tragic accident.” He says both climbers considered themselves experienced and well-prepared, and that Thomas P sought help once his girlfriend suddenly showed severe exhaustion near the summit.
If convicted, Thomas P faces up to three years in prison. Legal observers say a guilty verdict could mark a significant shift in how responsibility is assigned in high-risk mountain sports.
Original article
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