An Austrian man has been found guilty of grossly negligent manslaughter after leaving his girlfriend behind to freeze to death on Austria’s tallest peak, authorities confirmed.
The 37-year-old, identified in local media as Thomas P., was climbing with his 33-year-old girlfriend, Kerstin G., on Grossglockner in the early hours of January 19, 2025, when the pair ran into trouble on their ascent. Court testimony revealed that Kerstin was significantly less experienced than Thomas escribed by the judge as being “galaxies” behind him in climbing skill, and had relied on him to take responsibility for their safety.
Conflicting accounts emerged during the trial about Thomas’s efforts to seek help, but the Innsbruck Regional Court concluded that his actions amounted to gross negligence. On Thursday evening, the court handed him a suspended five-month prison sentence and a €9,600 ($11,300) fine, noting that his clean criminal record and the emotional strain of losing a loved one were considered mitigating factors.
Judge Norbert Hofer emphasized the disparity in climbing ability between the pair, saying that Kerstin had trusted Thomas to ensure her safety. Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported that the maximum sentence for grossly negligent manslaughter in Austria is three years.
Thomas P., through his lawyer Kurt Jelinek, maintained that the tragedy was an accident. “He is deeply saddened by the loss and denies wrongdoing,” the lawyer said.
The court also referenced the intense public scrutiny and discussion on social media surrounding the case, which it said had placed additional strain on the defendant.
The ruling is not yet final; appeals can be filed within three days, with formal submissions due within four weeks, the court said.
