More than a year after a 33-year-old woman froze to death on Austria’s highest mountain, her boyfriend is set to stand trial accused of gross negligent manslaughter in a case that has drawn scrutiny across the mountaineering community.
Kerstin G died of hypothermia during a winter ascent of the 3,798-meter Grossglockner in January 2025.
Prosecutors allege that her partner, identified in Austrian media as Thomas P, left her near the summit in stormy, subzero conditions while he went to seek help.
He denies wrongdoing, and his lawyer has described the death as a tragic accident.
If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison.
State prosecutors in Innsbruck argue that Thomas P should be considered the responsible guide for the tour because of his greater high-altitude experience and his role in planning the climb.
They allege he made a series of errors, including starting the ascent two hours too late and failing to carry sufficient emergency bivouac equipment.
According to authorities, Kerstin G had never completed an alpine tour of comparable length, difficulty, and altitude.
Prosecutors also say she wore snowboard boots unsuitable for mixed high-altitude terrain.
As winds reached up to 74 kilometers per hour and temperatures dropped to -8C, with windchill near -20C, they contend the pair should have turned back.
They further allege he failed to send distress signals when a helicopter flew overhead and did not immediately notify emergency services after leaving her around 2:00 a.m.
Rescuers found her body later that morning.
The defense maintains the couple planned the tour together and were adequately prepared.
"Both considered themselves... to be sufficiently experienced, adequately prepared, and well equipped," said his lawyer, Kurt Jelinek.
He has disputed claims that his client ignored calls or failed to request assistance, saying the situation deteriorated suddenly near the summit.
The case has sparked debate over when personal risk in extreme sports may cross into criminal liability, with potential implications for climbers and guides beyond Austria.