Overview
- Innsbruck judges found Thomas Plamberger guilty of negligent homicide for the January 2025 hypothermia death of Kerstin Gurtner during a night ascent of the Grossglockner.
- The presiding judge, an expert in mountain cases, said Plamberger effectively assumed a guide’s role, misjudged his partner’s abilities, and stressed he did not act like an intentional killer.
- Prosecutors cited a late start, worsening weather, inadequate emergency bivouac gear, unsuitable footwear, and delayed distress calls, placing the pair roughly 40–50 meters below the summit in a storm.
- Investigators said a rescue helicopter overflew the area that night and that Plamberger reassured operators they could proceed, later leaving Gurtner to seek help as temperatures felt near −20 °C with wind.
- The defense argues it was a tragic accident, maintains decisions were shared and that Gurtner urged him to get help, while an ex-partner testified about a similar 2023 incident on the same mountain.