Austrian Climber Convicted in Partner’s Death, Given Five-Month Term and Fine

Overview

• Innsbruck’s court found Thomas P. guilty of negligent homicide and imposed a five‑month prison sentence and a €9,400 fine, to be served in freedom under conditions with the option to appeal.
• Prosecutors said he acted as the more experienced, de facto guide on a winter ascent of Grossglockner and failed to plan appropriately or equip Kerstin Gurtner for the route.
• The court found he left Gurtner on the mountain in severe cold without using an available emergency blanket and did not turn back in time as conditions and her condition worsened.
• Police and court records show he delayed and obscured requests for help, kept his phone in airplane mode, and missed return calls and messages, which stalled an immediate search.
• Evidence included an 11‑month digital reconstruction and testimony from an ex‑girlfriend describing a 2023 incident on the same peak, as well as expert criticism of his rope handling and rescue communications.