A devastating incident on Austria’s majestic Grossglockner mountain has culminated in a manslaughter charge against experienced climber Thomas Plamberger, 36. He stands accused of a series of critical errors that allegedly led to the freezing death of his girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, 33, during a treacherous winter ascent in January.
The couple, just a stone’s throw – 45 meters – from the 3797-meter summit, faced brutal conditions. Around 8:50 PM, Kerstin, overcome by exhaustion, collapsed and couldn’t continue. Plamberger made the fateful decision to leave her and descend for help. Yet, his absence stretched for over six agonizing hours, a period during which Kerstin tragically died from the extreme cold. Chilling webcam images reportedly tracked their ascent and Plamberger’s subsequent solo descent, his torch still functional as his girlfriend lay alone.
Prosecutors have laid out a damning list of nine “cardinal errors.” Key among them: Plamberger allegedly embarked on the climb despite Kerstin’s complete inexperience with such high-altitude winter conditions. Accusations also include a two-hour delayed start, failure to carry emergency bivouac equipment, and allowing Kerstin to wear unsuitable snowboard boots. The weather, with 74km/h winds and temperatures feeling like minus 20 degrees Celsius, was reportedly ignored. Furthermore, he’s accused of not signaling a helicopter, delaying police calls, and neglecting to shelter Kerstin or use the emergency blankets they possessed.
Plamberger vehemently denies the charges, claiming it was merely “a tragic, fateful accident” as he sought help. However, prosecutors paint a picture of gross negligence. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison, with his trial slated for February in Innsbruck. This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the immense responsibilities and critical decisions mountaineers face in unforgiving environments.
