Story perspectives

Climber Faces Manslaughter Charges After Leaving Girlfriend on Summit

12/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Thomas Plamberger, a climber, faces manslaughter charges in Austria after leaving his girlfriend Kerstin Gurtner on the Grossglockner.
The climb on January 18 found Kerstin Gurtner, 33, exhausted and disoriented near the summit.
Plamberger left her at 2 a.m. to seek help and returned six and a half hours later.
Prosecutors allege inadequate planning and failure to provide proper equipment, while Plamberger denies wrongdoing, claiming the separation was mutual.

History

Historical Context

The Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 3,798 meters, has a history of climbing dating back to the late 18th century. In 2003, the death of climber Andreas Koller underscored the inherent dangers of alpine climbing, with 30 fatalities reported that year. This incident, similar to Thomas Plamberger's case, highlights the critical need for improved safety measures in mountaineering.

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Story summary

Thomas Plamberger, a climber, faces manslaughter charges in Austria after leaving his girlfriend Kerstin Gurtner on the Grossglockner.
The climb on January 18 found Kerstin Gurtner, 33, exhausted and disoriented near the summit.
Plamberger left her at 2 a.m. to seek help and returned six and a half hours later.
Prosecutors allege inadequate planning and failure to provide proper equipment, while Plamberger denies wrongdoing, claiming the separation was mutual.

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