Trial of climber who ‘left girlfriend to die’ shakes community
The Times • • world
Key Points:
- Plamberger faces gross negligent manslaughter charges for nine alleged mistakes during a mountain tour with his girlfriend, including late start, failure to signal for help, and leaving her without proper shelter, which prosecutors claim led to her death.
- If convicted, Plamberger could face up to three years in prison and set a legal precedent holding experienced climbers liable for companions' accidents even in non-commercial settings; he denies wrongdoing, with his lawyers calling the incident a tragic accident.
- Mountain expert Stefan Winter criticized Plamberger’s decisions, especially not turning back earlier and failing to use emergency gear, while also questioning the girlfriend’s unsuitable equipment, highlighting potential risks and psychological pressures in such situations.
- The case raises significant legal questions in Austria and
