More than a year after a 33-year-old woman froze to death on Austria’s highest mountain, her boyfriend goes on trial on Thursday accused of gross negligent manslaughter.
Kerstin G died of hypothermia on a mountain climbing trip to the Grossglockner that went horribly wrong. Her boyfriend is accused of leaving her unprotected and exhausted close to the summit in stormy conditions in the early hours of 19 January 2025, while he went to get help.
The trial has sparked interest and debate, not just in Austria but in mountain climbing communities far beyond its borders.
Interesting case. I think it’s hard to call with the little facts on hand. There seems to be at least some level of neglect. I wonder, though, did she not have a phone? Was there no reception, or why did she not call or signal for help herself? If there was no reception, what else could he have done? Were there other ways to make it through the night? Those details will have to be evaluated in court.