Austrian Climber Convicted of Manslaughter in Girlfriend’s Mountain Death
An Austrian court has convicted a 37-year-old man of manslaughter by gross negligence after his girlfriend died of hypothermia near the summit of Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak, in January 2025. The case has sparked debate about liability in mountain sports and the responsibilities climbers have towards one another.
The Incident and Trial
The defendant, identified as Thomas P, was sentenced to a five-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €9,400 (£8,200 / approximately $11,300 as of February 20, 2026) by the Innsbruck state court on Thursday, February 19, 2026 . He was found guilty of causing the death of his girlfriend, Kerstin G, 33, through gross negligence.
The court heard that the couple were approximately 50 meters (164 feet) below the summit of the 3,798-meter (12,460-foot) Großglockner when Kerstin G became exhausted and unable to continue . Thomas P left her to seek help, leaving her exposed to strong winds without providing her with her emergency blanket or bivouac bag .
Prosecutors argued that Thomas P, as the more experienced climber, had a duty of care towards Kerstin G and failed to act appropriately. He reportedly made a brief call to mountain police but did not clearly communicate the need for a rescue and subsequently did not respond to follow-up calls or messages . He claimed his phone was on airplane mode to conserve battery.
Defense and Court Ruling
Thomas P pleaded not guilty and expressed “endless sorrow” for his girlfriend’s death . His lawyer characterized the incident as a tragic accident.
Judge Norbert Hofer, an experienced mountaineer himself, acknowledged that Thomas P had intended to seek help but emphasized his failure to adequately assess the situation and ensure Kerstin G’s safety. The judge stated that the defendant’s mountaineering experience far surpassed that of his girlfriend, and she had placed her trust in his judgment .
“I do not see you as a murderer, I do not see you as cold-hearted,” Judge Hofer said during the sentencing .
Precedent and Legal Implications
This case is considered unusual due to the rarity of prosecutions following climbing incidents . Experts suggest the ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving liability in mountain sports, potentially influencing international standards for assessing responsibility in such situations .
The trial raises questions about the extent of legal responsibility in inherently dangerous environments like high-altitude mountains, where climbers typically assume a degree of risk.