Austrian Climber on Trial for Manslaughter in Girlfriend’s Death on Grossglockner

More than a year after a 33-year-old woman died of hypothermia on Austria’s highest mountain, her boyfriend is on trial for gross negligent manslaughter. The trial began on Thursday, February 18, 2026, and centers around the death of Kerstin G. On the Grossglockner on January 19, 2025.

The Incident

Kerstin G. Died during a climbing trip on the 3,798-meter (12,460 ft) Grossglockner. Prosecutors allege that Thomas P., her boyfriend, left her unprotected and exhausted near the summit in stormy conditions while he went to seek help BBC News. He reportedly descended, leaving her in -8°C temperatures with winds up to 45mph, creating a “feel” of -20°C The Independent.

Prosecution’s Case

Prosecutors argue that Thomas P., as the more experienced climber and the planner of the tour, was responsible for the safety of both himself and his girlfriend. They claim he failed to turn back or call for assistance in a timely manner BBC News. The prosecution has outlined nine alleged errors made by the defendant, including inadequate planning, insufficient emergency equipment, and allowing his girlfriend to wear inappropriate footwear – snowboard soft boots – for the challenging alpine terrain BBC News.

Defense’s Argument

Thomas P. Denies the charges, and his lawyer, Kurt Jelinek, maintains that Kerstin G.’s death was a tragic accident BBC News. Jelinek asserts that both climbers were adequately experienced, prepared, and equipped for the ascent. He claims they reached a point of no return, known as “Früchstücksplatz,” before continuing, and that Kerstin G. Only began to show signs of exhaustion later BBC News. The defense also disputes the prosecution’s timeline, stating that the decision to seek help was made after the situation deteriorated The Independent.

Timeline of Events

According to prosecutors, the couple became stranded around 8:50 PM on January 18th. A police helicopter flew over their location around 10:50 PM, but the defendant allegedly did not call for help at that time The Independent. Thomas P. Reportedly called mountain police at 12:35 AM on January 19th. After making the call, police state he silenced his phone and did not respond to further attempts to contact him The Independent. He then descended to seek help, and his image was captured by a webcam as he did so BBC News.

Potential Consequences

If convicted of gross negligent manslaughter, Thomas P. Could face up to three years in prison BBC News. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for liability in mountain sports in Austria BBC News.