Manslaughter Verdict in Austrian Mountain Tragedy

A mountaineer has been convicted of manslaughter after leaving his girlfriend to face harsh conditions on a mountain in Austria. Thomas Plumberger was found guilty for his actions during a climb on Grossglockner, the highest peak in Austria, in January 2025. Reports indicate that his girlfriend, Kerstin Guertner, ultimately succumbed to hypothermia.

The court handed down a sentence of five months’ probation, along with a fine exceeding $11,000.

After making his descent, Plumberger contended that he urged Guertner to leave the mountain to seek assistance. Judge Norbert Hofer clarified that while Plumberger did not intentionally abandon her, Guertner lacked the climbing experience and preparation that he possessed.

“Plumberger failed in his responsibility as a leader,” the judge noted, adding that Guertner could have been saved had he taken more timely actions, like turning back or calling for help sooner.

Interestingly, there are claims that Plumberger had previously left another girlfriend in the mountains, although he denies those accusations. That woman survived, according to reports.

It was revealed in court that during their climb last January, Plumberger disregarded a rescue helicopter that was circling nearby and exposed Guertner to extreme conditions, which led their thermos of tea to freeze. On January 18, as the couple climbed in the dark, they faced significant difficulties, and Guertner slipped, injuring her hand and lower back. Nevertheless, they continued until she collapsed just 50 meters from the summit.

A time-lapse video captured the couple climbing from a distance. Tragically, after Plumberger left to find help, Guertner was later discovered by a mountain rescue team. He had been suffering from a viral infection at the time of the incident.

Guertner’s mother expressed that her daughter was determined and aware of the risks involved in the climb.