Innsbruck, Austria – An Austrian court has convicted a mountaineer of manslaughter following the death of his girlfriend on Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak, in January 2025. Thomas Plamberger, 37, received a five-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €9,600 (approximately $11,300) for causing the death of Kerstin G., 33, through gross negligence.
The verdict, delivered Thursday evening by the Innsbruck Regional Court, marks a rare instance of criminal prosecution stemming from a climbing accident. Prosecutors argued that Plamberger, as the more experienced climber, had a duty of care towards his partner and failed to act appropriately when she became exhausted and unable to continue the ascent approximately 50 meters below the summit.
According to court proceedings, the couple began their climb on January 18, 2025, via the Studlgrat route, a technically demanding path suitable for experienced alpinists. As they fell behind schedule, Kerstin G. Stopped, unable to proceed in the freezing conditions. Plamberger then left to seek help, a decision that ultimately proved fatal for his girlfriend.
“I loved Kerstin,” Plamberger told the court, reportedly stating they always made decisions together on the mountain. He pleaded not guilty, expressing “terrible sorrow” over her death. However, the judge, Norbert Hofer, stated that Kerstin G. Was “galaxies” away from Plamberger’s climbing skills and assumed he would take “responsibility” for her safety.
The prosecution highlighted several critical failures by Plamberger, including inadequate planning, insufficient equipment provided to his partner, and a delayed response in alerting rescue services. Evidence presented during the trial suggested Plamberger did not immediately initiate a proper emergency call, and continued to communicate via WhatsApp even after being aware of the severity of the situation.
A police witness testified that Plamberger’s initial communication did not indicate a life-threatening emergency. The witness also noted that the defendant continued to engage in WhatsApp conversations even after being contacted by authorities, only informing them around 3:30 a.m. That his girlfriend had been left on the mountain.
The court also heard testimony from Plamberger’s former girlfriend, who recounted an incident where he had similarly left her alone on a previous climb on Grossglockner after a disagreement. She described being stranded in the dark with a malfunctioning headlamp and feeling completely exhausted.
The judge acknowledged the tragic circumstances of the case and noted the public scrutiny it had attracted through social media. While considering Plamberger’s clean criminal record and the loss of a loved one as mitigating factors, the court ultimately determined that his negligence directly contributed to Kerstin G.’s death from hypothermia.
The case raises important questions about legal liability in high-altitude mountaineering, an inherently dangerous activity where climbers generally assume a degree of personal risk. The court’s decision effectively tests Austria’s “duty of care” doctrine, establishing a precedent for holding individuals criminally responsible for the safety of their companions in hazardous situations.
The verdict is not yet final and is subject to appeal.
