A court in Innsbruck will open the trial of climber Thomas Plamberger this Thursday morning. Prosecutors accuse him of negligently causing his girlfriend Kerstin Gurtner’s death during a winter ascent. The couple attempted to climb Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest and most demanding peak. Investigators say he left her alone near the summit in extreme overnight conditions. She reportedly suffered exhaustion, hypothermia, and severe disorientation before collapsing in the snow. Authorities allege he descended to seek help but returned too late. Gurtner, aged thirty three, died after freezing overnight in subzero temperatures.
Officials state the pair started their ascent two hours later than recommended safety guidance. Stormy weather intensified as they approached the summit ridge late that evening. Prosecutors claim they became stranded high on the mountain around 8.50pm. A police helicopter reportedly flew overhead, yet no distress signal reached rescuers. Investigators say Plamberger failed to alert search teams or local authorities promptly. Police attempted several phone calls before he returned one call after midnight. After that exchange, officers received no further direct communication from him.
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Climber: Prosecutors Detail Final Hours on Grossglockner
According to prosecutors, Plamberger left Gurtner roughly fifty metres below the summit cross. They say he departed around 2am while she remained exhausted and hypothermic. He then descended toward a mountain hut seeking assistance from others. He returned approximately six and a half hours later the following morning. Rescuers found Gurtner dead after enduring temperatures near minus eight degrees Celsius. Strong winds reportedly drove the perceived temperature down to minus twenty degrees. Authorities argue his decisions directly contributed to her fatal exposure overnight.
Prosecutors conducted an eleven month investigation examining digital evidence from their devices. They reviewed mobile phone data, sports watch records, and photographs documenting the climb. An independent alpine mountaineering expert also assessed the couple’s planning and conduct. Officials allege Plamberger committed nine critical mistakes before and during the expedition. They argue he inadequately planned the route and underestimated harsh winter hazards. They also question equipment choices, including a splitboard and soft snowboard boots. Prosecutors say he failed to provide adequate shelter or thermal protection before leaving.
Climber Plamberger denies wrongdoing and describes this incident as a tragic accident. His lawyer, Karl Jelinek, disputes elements of the prosecution’s timeline and conclusions. The defence insists the couple agreed on decisions and believed they were prepared. Lawyers argue he sought help and never intentionally abandoned his partner. The court will examine whether his conduct amounts to gross negligent manslaughter. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to three years. The case has drawn national attention across Austria due to its tragic circumstances.
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