Mountaineer Charged With Grossly Negligent Homicide After Girlfriend Dies of Hypothermia on Austria's Grossglockner

The Innsbruck public prosecutor has charged 36-year-old mountaineer Thomas Plamberger with grossly negligent homicide after his 33-year-old girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, died of hypothermia while ascending Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak.

Timeline and Rescue Efforts

Plamberger and Gurtner began their ascent on Jan. 18. Prosecutors say Gurtner began suffering hypothermia and exhaustion below the summit, and that Plamberger left her at about 2 a.m. on Jan. 19 to seek help. By the time rescue teams reached the location, Gurtner had died from exposure.

GettyGrossglockner mountain

Prosecutors' Allegations

The Innsbruck public prosecutor's office alleges a series of failures by Plamberger, who they say planned the tour and, as an experienced high-altitude climber, acted as the de facto guide. The office lists the following alleged errors:

• Not carrying adequate emergency equipment for alpine conditions.
• Allowing Gurtner — described as the less experienced climber — to use boots and a splitboard prosecutors say were unsuitable for the terrain and conditions.
• Failing to call for emergency help before nightfall and not signaling when a police helicopter flew over at about 10:50 p.m.
• Delaying contact with rescue services until approximately 3:30 a.m.
• Not moving Gurtner to sheltered ground to reduce heat loss and not providing an available emergency blanket.
• Continuing the ascent despite gale-force winds and subzero temperatures and not turning back at a commonly used turnaround point known among climbers as the "breakfast spot".

Response From Plamberger

Plamberger has submitted a written statement denying any wrongdoing, according to the prosecutor's office. He also posted tributes to Gurtner on Instagram — posts that have since been deleted — writing that her death was "hurting so much" and adding, "I miss you so much. It hurts so incredibly much. Forever in my heart. Without you, time is meaningless."

Investigation Ongoing

Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the climb and the rescue timeline. The charge of grossly negligent homicide indicates prosecutors believe Plamberger's alleged errors substantially contributed to Gurtner's death; the case will proceed through Austria's legal system, where Plamberger will have the opportunity to respond to the accusations.

Note: Details above are based on statements from the Innsbruck public prosecutor’s office and reporting from local and international media.