Austrian Climber Convicted of Manslaughter After Girlfriend Dies on Grossglockner

• An Austrian court convicted mountaineer Thomas P of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend, Kerstin G, died during a winter ascent of Grossglockner in January 2025.
• The couple continued climbing past a critical 'point of no return' despite deteriorating weather and Kerstin G's declining condition.
• Prosecutors argued Thomas P, as the more experienced climber, failed to ensure safety, make timely rescue calls, or adequately protect his partner before leaving her.
• The defense claimed Kerstin G urged Thomas P to seek help and that he believed leaving her was the best chance for rescue, denying intentional abandonment.
• Thomas P received a five-month suspended prison sentence and a €9,600 fine, with the court acknowledging mitigating factors like his clean record and personal loss.