Alpine Tragedy: Climber Froze After Boyfriend Left Her

A 33-year-old woman, Kerstin Gurtner, perished from hypothermia just 150 feet shy of Austria's Grossglockner summit during a night ascent in January of last year. Temperatures plummeted to -20C, exacerbating the perilous conditions. Her partner and climbing companion, 39-year-old Thomas Plamberger, now faces a charge of negligent homicide as prosecutors contend he left her in a critical state.

The ascent, captured by mountain webcams, showed two head torches moving towards the peak before only one was seen retreating. Rescue efforts were delayed by severe winds, and Ms. Gurtner was found deceased the following morning. Investigations revealed the couple was inadequately prepared, with Ms. Gurtner allegedly wearing inappropriate footwear. Plamberger's defense claims he was seeking help, deeming the event a "tragic, fateful accident."

Prosecutors argue Plamberger, an experienced climber, acted irresponsibly by leaving his less experienced girlfriend alone and disoriented. He is accused of failing to call for help promptly, not positioning her in a wind-protected area, and neglecting to use emergency equipment. His trial is scheduled for February, with a potential sentence of up to three years if convicted.