Kerstin Gurtner
Tragedy on Grossglockner: Man Charged with Negligent Homicide After Girlfriend's Death in Extreme Alpine Conditions
Dec 11, 2025 10:54 am CST
An experienced climber faces grossly negligent homicide charges after allegedly abandoning his inexperienced girlfriend in extreme conditions on Austria's highest peak, leading to her death from hypothermia. The tragic incident, which occurred when temperatures plummeted to -17°F with 45 mph winds, has raised serious questions about climbing safety and responsibility in alpine environments.
Tragic Death on Grossglockner: Austrian Woman Abandoned in Freezing Conditions by Mountaineer Boyfriend
Dec 07, 2025 08:07 pm CST
33-year-old Kerstin Gurtner froze to death on Austria's highest peak after allegedly being abandoned by her experienced mountaineer boyfriend in extreme conditions. Thomas Plamberger now faces manslaughter charges as tributes pour in for the Salzburg native remembered as a "mountain person" and "winter child."