Austrian climber found guilty after girlfriend froze to death on mountain
BBC World
February 20, 2026
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An Austrian climber has been convicted of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend froze to death during a climbing trip on Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner, in January 2025. The man, identified only as Thomas P due to privacy laws, received a five-month suspended sentence and a €9,600 fine. Kerstin G, his girlfriend, died of hypothermia after they got stranded on the mountain during harsh winter conditions, which included winds up to 74 km/h (45 mph) and freezing temperatures.
The court heard that Thomas P, an experienced climber, failed to recognize his girlfriend's lack of experience in extreme winter conditions. The judge noted that Kerstin G was physically exhausted and unprepared for the summit push, with her head tilted back, eyes wide open, and no gloves or closed boots when rescue teams found her body hanging upside down from a rock face.Prosecutors argued that Thomas P, as the more experienced climber, should have acted as the responsible guide and turned back earlier to avoid the fatal situation.
Thomas P claimed he deeply regretted the incident and emphasized his love for Kerstin G. His lawyer argued that she was not inexperienced and had knowingly joined the challenging expedition. However, the court rejected this, citing Thomas P's failure to call for help promptly when a police helicopter flew overhead and his decision to leave Kerstin behind while summiting alone.
The trial has sparked significant public interest, particularly within the mountaineering community. It raises questions about responsibility in group activities and the importance of prioritizing safety over ambition, especially in high-risk environments. The case also highlights the potential consequences of neglecting basic precautions in extreme conditions.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026