Woman Freezes to Death on Austria’s Grossglockner; Boyfriend Charged

A tragic mountaineering incident has left a 33-year-old woman dead on Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner, as her boyfriend faces serious legal repercussions. Kerstin Gurtner, who hailed from Salzburg, succumbed to the extreme cold while attempting to summit the 3,798-meter (12,460-foot) mountain in January. Her boyfriend, Thomas Plamberger, aged 39, is charged with manslaughter due to gross negligence.

The couple was reportedly just 50 meters from the summit when Gurtner began to experience difficulties and could not continue. According to the public prosecutor’s office, Plamberger left her alone for approximately 6.5 hours to seek help. During this time, Gurtner was left “unprotected, exhausted, hypothermic, and disoriented” in temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F).

The timeline of events highlights a series of critical moments captured by a webcam positioned on the mountain. Around 18:00 on January 18, 2024, both climbers were visible on the footage, but by midnight, the lights from their headlamps began to fade as their battery life diminished. An image taken at approximately 02:30 the following morning showed Plamberger descending alone on the opposite side of the Grossglockner.

In a statement, the prosecutor’s office emphasized that Plamberger, being an experienced climber, had a responsibility to guide the expedition effectively. They noted, “At approximately 02:00 a.m., the defendant left his girlfriend unprotected… The woman froze to death.” The investigation revealed that Plamberger allegedly made nine critical errors leading up to Gurtner’s death.

Rescue efforts commenced early on January 19, with a helicopter deployed to search the area. Unfortunately, emergency responders reached Gurtner too late; she had already succumbed to the elements.

The community has responded with an outpouring of grief and tributes for Gurtner. A memorial page honoring her life has garnered numerous heartfelt messages. One tribute read, “The world has lost a wonderful person; heaven has gained a new angel.” Another comment expressed disbelief and a desire for justice, stating, “This cannot go unpunished.”

Plamberger’s trial is scheduled to commence on February 19, 2026, at the Innsbruck Regional Court. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about responsibility and safety in alpine climbing, particularly for experienced climbers leading less experienced partners.