The tragic death of a 33-year-old woman on Austria’s tallest mountain, Grossglockner, has led to serious criminal charges against her boyfriend. On January 18, 2024, Kerstin Gurtner and her partner, Thomas Plamberger, embarked on a climbing expedition that turned fatal when Gurtner struggled just 50 metres from the summit in temperatures plummeting to -20°C.
Prosecutors have accused Plamberger, 36, of manslaughter and gross negligence, alleging that he made critical errors in handling the situation. The couple became stranded at approximately 20:50 local time. Authorities reported that Plamberger failed to contact emergency services, despite multiple attempts from officials to reach him. It was not until 00:35 that he picked up the phone.
“He left her unprotected, exhausted, hypothermic, and disoriented,”
a spokesperson for the local authorities stated. Prosecutors claim that Gurtner was left alone around 02:00, and it was not until 03:30 that Plamberger finally called for help.
The situation is particularly tragic, as Gurtner was inexperienced in high-altitude trekking. This was her first attempt to climb a mountain of this elevation, standing at an impressive 3,798 metres (12,460 feet). In addition, she was ill-equipped for the harsh conditions, wearing soft snow boots that were deemed inappropriate for such a challenging terrain.
Plamberger, who has been described as “very experienced,” now faces significant legal repercussions. The case has raised questions about the responsibilities of experienced climbers towards their less experienced partners in perilous situations.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the dangers associated with high-altitude climbing. Authorities are emphasizing the need for proper equipment and communication during such excursions, especially in extreme weather conditions. The local community mourns the loss of Gurtner, whose life was tragically cut short during an adventure that should have been memorable.
