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Austrian Climber Convicted of Grossly Negligent Manslaughter in Partner’s Hypothermia Death

The Innsbruck court said his greater experience created a duty of care toward his girlfriend.

Overview

  • The court imposed a five‑month suspended prison term and an approximately $11,300 fine for the 2025 Grossglockner incident.
  • The verdict is appealable within three days, with written submissions due within four weeks, according to a court statement cited by CNN.
  • Judge Norbert Hofer found the man’s skills far exceeded his partner’s and said she likely would have survived with an earlier call for help or a turnaround.
  • Prosecutors presented a timeline citing headlamp and phone evidence, a 12:35 a.m. call to mountain police, the man leaving around 2 a.m., and high winds that grounded rescue helicopters.
  • The defense said the couple planned the climb together, denied claims he muted his phone, and argued the death was a tragic accident rather than a crime.