Austrian Climber Thomas P Convicted After Girlfriend's Death from Hypothermia on Grossglockner

An Austrian climber known as Thomas P has been found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend succumbed to hypothermia on the Grossglockner, the highest peak in Austria, in January 2025. He has been sentenced to a five-month suspended prison term and ordered to pay a fine of €9,600 (£8,400).

The court considered Thomas P's previously unblemished record and the significant personal tragedy he experienced as factors in mitigation. Judge Norbert Hofer, an experienced climber involved with mountain and helicopter rescue operations in Tyrol, remarked on the disparity in climbing experience between Thomas P and his girlfriend, Kerstin G, who lacked his skills in winter climbing. The court concluded that the couple should have retreated before reaching the summit.

During the hearings, a former partner of Thomas P testified that he had previously abandoned her on the Grossglockner in 2023 when she felt fatigued and disoriented. Rescue personnel recounted the disturbing details of Kerstin's body, which was discovered hanging upside down from a rock face, lacking boots or gloves, and still wearing her rucksack. Conditions were perilous, with winds reaching 74 km/h (45 mph) and temperatures plummeting to -8°C, with wind chill making it feel as cold as -20°C.

Prosecutors contended that Thomas P, being the more experienced climber, held the responsibility for ensuring the safety of the outing. They argued he failed to seek assistance in a timely manner and neglected to utilize distress signals when a police helicopter flew overhead. Claims from the prosecution suggested that Thomas P left Kerstin behind near the summit and descended alone without waiting for help.

Thomas P denied the charges, expressing profound grief over Kerstin's death. His attorney, Kurt Jelinek, emphasized that Kerstin was athletic and cognizant of risks involved, and maintained that they encountered unforeseen difficulties during their climb. The defense added that, during the delay in summoning help, they still believed they could safely reach the peak.

The incident has garnered substantial media attention in Austria and among international climbing circles, raising discussions on the boundaries of personal judgement versus criminal liability in climbing. Thomas P is set to appeal his conviction.