Climber Charged After Girlfriend Freezes to Death

A trial for Thomas Plamberger, an Alpine climber accused of negligent manslaughter, begins this Thursday in Innsbruck, Austria. He is charged after his girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, 33, died of hypothermia on the Grossglockner mountain on January 19, last year.

Prosecutors assert Plamberger, the more experienced climber, made nine fatal errors. These include inadequate expedition planning and delaying calls for help. Gurtner was left alone at approximately 2 am, about 50 meters below the summit, in severe weather conditions.

Temperatures reached -8C with winds making it feel as low as -20C. An 11-month investigation, including analysis of digital devices and expert reports, led to the charges. Plamberger denies guilt, with his lawyer stating he left Gurtner by mutual agreement.

Evidence suggests the couple started too late and became stranded by a storm. Prosecutors claim Plamberger did not signal a police helicopter that passed overhead and was unclear in his communication with mountain police. He allegedly then silenced his phone.

Plamberger's defense described Gurtner's death as a tragic accident, disputing the prosecution's timeline. They maintain the couple planned the expedition together, felt adequately prepared, and encountered unforeseen difficulties near the summit.

Prosecutors highlighted Plamberger's alleged failure to provide adequate shelter or warm gear, and that Gurtner, an inexperienced climber, used unsuitable equipment for the high-alpine winter route. If convicted, Plamberger faces up to three years in prison.