In a case that has shocked the global climbing community, a 37-year-old amateur mountaineer, Thomas P, was found guilty of negligent homicide for the death of his girlfriend during an ascent of Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, in January 2025.
The Innsbruck court sentenced Thomas P to five months in prison, suspended, and a fine of €9,400 ($11,100). The court concluded that his actions demonstrated “gross negligence,” leaving the 33-year-old Kerstin G. exposed to harsh winds and freezing conditions while he went for help.
The incident occurred near the summit after an exhausting climb in icy conditions. According to court records, Kerstin had fallen behind due to exhaustion, about 50 meters below the peak, when Thomas P decided to descend alone to fetch assistance. He did not provide her with a blanket or sleeping bag from their gear, and her body was later found with those emergency items still in her backpack.
A former partner testified that Thomas P had previously left her in a similar vulnerable situation during a 2023 climb, raising further concerns about his judgment and risk assessment. Webcam footage submitted in court showed Thomas P descending alone as night fell, with his flashlight illuminating the snow-covered slope.
Presiding judge Norbert Hofer, himself an experienced mountaineer, acknowledged that Thomas P had acted to get help and did not consider him a murderer or callous. However, he emphasized that Thomas, as the more experienced climber and trusted guide, bore responsibility for Kerstin’s safety.
