Overview
- An Innsbruck court found Thomas Plamberger guilty of involuntary manslaughter and imposed a five‑month suspended prison term and a €9,400 fine.
- Prosecutors said he left Kerstin Gurtner about 50 meters below the summit without shelter in extreme cold and high winds and failed to signal a rescue helicopter.
- Investigators cited a late departure and inadequate equipment, including the victim’s snowboard boots, as factors that showed negligent preparation.
- The defense called the death a tragic accident, maintained he left to get help, and argued there was a misunderstanding with the helicopter; an appeal remains possible.
- Evidence discussed in court included a photo of the victim’s position and webcam images showing a single headlamp descending, plus testimony from a former partner about a previous incident.