Austrian Court Convicts Climber After Partner Dies Near Summit
37-year-old received a five-month suspended sentence and roughly €9,400–€9,600 fine after his 33-year-old girlfriend froze to death near the Grossglockner summit in January 2025.
Overview
An Innsbruck state court convicted a 37-year-old man of gross negligent manslaughter and gave him a five-month suspended sentence and a roughly €9,400–€9,600 fine.
Prosecutors said the case stems from the death of his 33-year-old girlfriend after the couple attempted to climb the Grossglockner in January 2025, when she died about 50 meters below the 3,798-meter peak.
Judge Norbert Hofer said the defendant misjudged the situation but had not wilfully abandoned her while also ruling the man was 'galaxies' more proficient and had failed his leadership responsibility.
The one-day Innsbruck hearing drew worldwide attention from the mountaineering community, and experts said the ruling could set a precedent influencing international liability standards for mountain sports.
The defendant pleaded not guilty, told the court he was 'endlessly sorry,' and the verdict can be appealed.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally, emphasizing court facts, sentencing, and quoted judicial reasoning while distinguishing between judicial findings and defendant statements. They rely on named legal outcomes, procedural details, and direct quotes (judge, defendant) rather than emotive descriptors, avoiding sensational language and giving balanced source perspectives and appeal information.
Sources (3)
FAQ
In January 2025, the couple attempted to climb Austria's highest peak, Grossglockner (3,798m). They fell behind schedule, and near the summit at night, the 33-year-old woman, Kerstin G, became exhausted and unable to move about 50 meters below the peak. Thomas P, 37, left her exposed to winds to seek help at a mountain shelter, and she died from hypothermia.[1]
The Innsbruck court convicted Thomas P of gross negligent manslaughter, imposing a five-month suspended sentence and €9,400 fine. Judge Norbert Hofer stated the defendant misjudged the situation, was far more experienced, and failed his leadership responsibility, though he did not wilfully abandon her.[1]
The rare criminal conviction for a climbing accident has drawn worldwide attention and could set a precedent for international liability standards in mountain sports, blurring lines between personal risk and legal responsibility.[1]
Prosecutors presented testimony from Thomas P's ex-partner, who said he left her alone at night during a 2023 Grossglockner climb after a dispute, as her headlamp battery died and she was left in darkness.[1]
History
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