Austrian alpinist Thomas P. found guilty of unintentionally causing girlfriend Kerstin’s death during Grossglockner climb.
The Climbing Incident
Thomas P. was climbing with girlfriend Kerstin to Grossglockner summit in Austria on January 19. As they approached their goal, Kerstin ran out of strength and could only move “on all fours,” according to Die Welt newspaper. At 00:35, Thomas called for help, though rescuers claim it wasn’t an emergency call. His lawyer Kurt Jelinek denied this version.
Abandonment in the Mountains
The lawyer maintained Thomas took Kerstin’s backpack and tried to help her, staying for an hour and a half before she told him to continue. Around 2:00 AM, Thomas left his partner and climbed to the summit, then descended. Kerstin was later found dead from hypothermia. When discovered, she had a backpack but no gloves, and her shoes weren’t properly fastened.
Responsibility for the Expedition
The prosecution argued Thomas, as the more experienced alpinist, was responsible for the expedition’s course. His lawyer countered that Kerstin was aware of potential consequences. Judge Norbert Hofer, an experienced climber and Tyrol mountain rescuer, ruled Thomas should have decided to return when Kerstin weakened, given his superior skills.
Court Verdict and Defense
The Regional Court in Innsbruck found Thomas guilty of unintentionally causing his girlfriend’s death, sentencing him to five months in prison suspended and a 9,600 euro fine. The verdict is not final. Thomas expressed regret but denied guilt, stating they always planned routes together. He couldn’t explain why he didn’t use a rescue blanket found in her backpack.
Prior Incidents
Thomas’s former partner testified he had previously left her alone on another Grossglockner route because she walked too slowly and they argued about the path.