Austrian climber found guilty after girlfriend froze to death on mountain
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- An Austrian climber, Thomas P, was found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend, Kerstin G, died of hypothermia during a January 2025 climb on Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain.
- Thomas P received a five-month suspended sentence and a €9,600 fine, with the court considering his clean record and personal loss as mitigating factors.
- The court highlighted that Kerstin lacked sufficient winter climbing experience and that Thomas, as the more skilled climber, should have turned back earlier to ensure her safety.
- Testimonies revealed Thomas had previously abandoned a former girlfriend during a climb, and rescuers found Kerstin's body in a vulnerable state, indicating exposure to harsh conditions
