Austrian Mountaineer ‘Endlessly Sorry’ But Denies Criminal Wrongdoing in Girlfriend’s Death
An Austrian mountaineer has testified in court that he is “endlessly sorry” his girlfriend froze to death during their joint climb to the country’s highest peak, but he firmly denies any criminal wrongdoing. The high-profile trial, which began in Innsbruck, centers on the tragic death of 33-year-old Kerstin G on Großglockner and could potentially shape international standards for liability in mountain sports.
Emotional Testimony and Key Allegations
During emotional testimony, the 37-year-old defendant, identified only as Thomas P, told the judge he was not guilty of gross negligent manslaughter. He is accused of wrongfully abandoning his partner near the summit, where she succumbed to hypothermia. “I loved Kerstin and didn’t want anything to happen to her,” he said, as reported by local media from the courtroom.
Prosecutors allege that Thomas P left Kerstin G “defenceless, exhausted, hypothermic and disoriented” about 50 meters from the summit while he scrambled to get help. They argue that as the far more experienced alpinist, he effectively acted as the guide and bore responsibility for their safety. The prosecution claims a series of errors led to the catastrophe:
- Insufficient planning, clothing, and equipment
- Failure to turn back despite hostile weather with icy winds up to 74 km/h
- Decision not to alert rescue teams promptly when trouble arose during the night
If convicted, Thomas P faces up to three years in prison.
Defense Arguments and Contradictory Statements
Thomas P told the court that his partner was an enthusiastic and physically fit mountain climber. “We always planned the tour together and took decisions jointly,” he stated, reportedly contradicting earlier police statements where he described himself as taking the lead. He emphasized that adverse conditions, with windchill plunging to –20°C, took them by surprise. “The wind down below was almost nonexistent, only picking up at higher altitudes. It was impossible to predict how the wind would be in the upper reaches of the Glockner,” he explained.
When asked why he didn’t call emergency services before seeking help around 2 a.m., he replied, “It was an absolutely exceptional situation. Kerstin had no strength left, so I secured her to the rock with a rope and then climbed down.” He later returned, having second thoughts, but claimed she shouted, “Go, go on your own and save your own life.” Kerstin G’s body was recovered after daybreak.
Parental Support and Prosecution Evidence
The defense lawyer read a letter from Kerstin G’s parents, who disputed the perception of her as a victim. “Our daughter takes responsibility for her own actions, we can’t blame her boyfriend,” they wrote. “She did mountain runs and summited mountains far more difficult than this one.”
However, the prosecution cited a message from Kerstin G to Thomas P 12 weeks before her death, where she expressed concerns: “I completely lack experience when it comes to winter tours.” This contradicts the defense’s portrayal of her as equally experienced.
Case Details and Broader Implications
The defense argued that problems began around 8:15 p.m. when a rope got caught, costing 90 precious minutes, after which Kerstin G injured her hand. Thomas P failed to send a distress call because her condition worsened only after a rescue helicopter had flown away. The defense also suggested a viral infection might have debilitated her.
Kerstin G’s death made global headlines last year, partly due to webcam images capturing the climb. Thomas P faced intense social media backlash, described by associates as a “witch-hunt.” The presiding judge is specialized in mountaineering and will hear testimony from two Alpine experts and over a dozen witnesses, including mountain rescuers.
Annually, about 8,400 accidents occur in Austria’s mountains, resulting in nearly 300 deaths, but criminal proceedings are rare. The court’s ruling is widely expected to set a legal precedent with implications far beyond Austria’s borders, potentially redefining accountability in high-risk sports worldwide.
