Overview
- A Feb. 18 TikTok by @Everafteriya describing being deserted on a hike has drawn more than 25 million views, fueling widespread discussion of “alpine divorce.”
- Women have posted large numbers of corroborating accounts across TikTok and Reddit, though there are no comprehensive statistics on how common the behavior is.
- In February, an Austrian court convicted climber Thomas Plamberger of gross negligent manslaughter for leaving Kerstin Gurtner on Grossglockner; he is appealing.
- Relationship and safety experts say the behavior can trigger severe abandonment trauma and often reflects power and experience imbalances on trails.
- Safety guidance stresses vetting partners and routes, carrying independent gear and communication, picking familiar or busy areas, and using helplines or rescue resources; U.S. charges such as reckless endangerment could apply in specific cases.