An experienced Austrian mountaineer is facing serious criminal charges after a winter ascent ended in tragedy atop the country’s tallest peak.

Thomas Plamberger, 36, has been charged with manslaughter and gross negligence after his girlfriend, 33-year-old Kerstin Gurtner, died from exposure near the summit of the Grossglockner during a high-altitude climb back in January, as the Telegraph reports.

The incident unfolded on Jan. 18 during an ambitious winter attempt to scale the 12,460-foot Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain. Plamberger and Gurtner were nearing the summit when she collapsed from exhaustion around 8:50 p.m., unable to continue the ascent. According to investigators, Plamberger left her behind on the exposed route and descended alone to get help.

Digital evidence from webcams overlooking the route allegedly shows the couple’s headlamps ascending the peak around 6 p.m., and shows their lights gradually fading over time. A later image captured Plamberger continuing alone through the darkness as his partner remained stationary and out of view.

Authorities say it took over six hours for Plamberger to make contact with emergency services. He ultimately placed a call to police at approximately 12:35 a.m. but reportedly silenced his phone afterward, missing return calls. By the time rescuers reached Gurtner the next morning, she had succumbed to the freezing conditions.

Mountain conditions proved fatal for the novice

Kerstin Gurtner, who had no prior experience with winter high-altitude climbing, had accompanied Plamberger on the technically demanding Stüdlgrat route, prosecutors said. They argue that the decision to bring her was reckless, pointing to her lack of preparation, including unsuitable gear and footwear. Gurtner had reportedly worn soft snowboard boots, which were inadequate for the icy terrain.

Rescue efforts were delayed by severe weather, including 46-mile-per-hour winds and temperatures that felt like -20°C with wind chill. A helicopter dispatched at 7 a.m. on January 19 was forced to return due to strong winds. A ground team reached her location by 10 a.m., but it was too late.

Plamberger is accused of failing to take basic safety precautions, including not bringing bivouac equipment or wrapping Gurtner in emergency blankets. He also allegedly left her in a fully exposed spot with her backpack still on, which experts say can heighten the risk of freezing.

Nine critical mistakes identified by prosecutors

Prosecutors presented a list of nine major errors committed by Plamberger, arguing that he acted as the unofficial guide for the tour because of his extensive alpine experience. Among the accusations: starting the climb two hours behind schedule, proceeding despite adverse weather warnings, and failing to signal distress to a hovering helicopter late that night.

“At approximately 2 a.m., the defendant left his girlfriend unprotected, exhausted, hypothermic, and disoriented about 50 meters below the summit cross of the Grossglockner,” prosecutors wrote in a statement. “The woman froze to death.”

Authorities stressed that Gurtner’s inexperience should have been a determining factor in aborting the climb. “Since the defendant, unlike his girlfriend, was already very experienced with alpine high-altitude tours and had planned the tour, he was to be considered the responsible guide of the tour,” the prosecution added.

Defense calls death a tragic accident

Plamberger has maintained his innocence and denied all allegations. He stated that the tragedy was “a tragic, fateful accident” and said his only intention upon leaving was to get help. His trial is scheduled to begin in February at a court in Innsbruck, where he could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

The online community has been divided on the incident. An online tribute page to Gurtner described her as a “beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, godmother, granddaughter, partner and friend.” It expressed “deep shock and sadness” and asked the public to “refrain from accusations and assumptions.”

Some observers have called the case a cautionary tale, especially as mountaineering continues to grow in popularity among novice enthusiasts. Others have used the opportunity to highlight the unpredictable dangers of high alpine environments, particularly in winter.

Lessons to Learn

This tragic story illustrates the importance of proper preparation, awareness, and decision-making in extreme outdoor conditions. While not all accidents can be prevented, individuals can take meaningful steps to reduce risk:

1. Match the challenge with experience level: Never attempt a high-altitude climb -- especially in winter -- without adequate experience or underestimating the difficulty. If a partner lacks the necessary skills, choose a safer route or opt to turn back before conditions worsen.

2. Prepare for emergencies: Carrying bivouac equipment, distress signals, charged phones, and suitable clothing is essential on demanding climbs. Emergency shelters and proper heat retention strategies can mean the difference between life and death.

3. Always report issues early: In unstable weather, delays can cost lives. Prompt and continuous communication with emergency services should be prioritized, even if the situation doesn’t yet seem dire.

Why This Story Matters

Kerstin Gurtner’s death has resonated with the Austrian public and beyond, especially among outdoor enthusiasts and the mountaineering community. The charges brought against Plamberger have prompted wide discussions about accountability in group expeditions. These conversations help raise awareness about responsible planning and safety measures in adventure sports to prevent future tragedies.

This incident also illustrates the role that legal systems may play in determining fault when accidents occur under extreme conditions. As the trial approaches, it presents a critical opportunity for reflection on how risks are managed during high adventure pursuits.