A 39-year-old climber is standing trial in Innsbruck following the death of his girlfriend during a winter ascent of Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak. Thomas Plamberger has been charged with gross negligent manslaughter in connection with the January 19, 2025 tragedy that claimed the life of 33-year-old Kerstin Gurtner. She was found around 150 feet below the mountain’s 12,460-foot summit after extreme weather conditions swept through the area overnight. Plamberger has pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the incident was a devastating accident rather than a criminal act.
According to court proceedings, the couple encountered difficulties during their climb in the early hours of the morning. Prosecutors allege that Gurtner, described as the less experienced of the two, began to struggle near the summit. Temperatures reportedly dropped to -8°C, with windchill making it feel closer to -20°C. Authorities claim Plamberger left her around 2 a.m. to seek help and did not return for several hours. Rescue teams reached the scene the following morning but were unable to save her. In court, Plamberger said his girlfriend encouraged him to go for assistance, recalling her final words as urging him to “go now.”
The prosecution argues that, given his greater mountaineering experience and the fact that he organized the climb, Plamberger bore responsibility for ensuring safety. Officials allege he did not move Gurtner to a more sheltered location or provide additional protective gear that might have helped her endure the cold. There are also claims that emergency calls were not made immediately and that attempts to contact him by phone went unanswered. A judge described parts of his account as inconsistent, while prosecutors questioned why more urgent measures were not taken as conditions worsened.
Plamberger’s defense team disputes these allegations, insisting the decision for him to seek help was mutual and made under intense pressure. His lawyer characterized the event as a “tragic, fateful accident,” emphasizing that the couple had been in a happy relationship and were planning a future together. Gurtner’s mother has publicly defended both her daughter’s abilities and Plamberger’s character, expressing frustration at what she views as harsh public judgment. The case remains ongoing, as the court continues to examine the evidence surrounding the heartbreaking mountain tragedy.