Tributes are pouring in for an Austrian climber who froze to death on the country’s highest peak after allegedly being abandoned by her boyfriend in brutal conditions.
Kerstin Gurtner, a 33-year-old from Salzburg, died on the 12,460 foot Grossglockner during a severe January cold snap, and is believed to have succumbed to temperatures near -20°C, collapsing just 150 feet below the summit after being left unprotected, exhausted and hypothermic.
Her partner, 39-year-old Thomas Plamberger, has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence and could face up to three years in prison. Prosecutors allege he left her alone for six and a half hours in deadly conditions while he descended the mountain to seek help.
Chilling webcam images captured their ascent around 6pm on January 18, with both climbers’ lights visible on the icy slope. But over the following hours, the glow began to fade as batteries drained and Gurtner’s strength failed. By 2.30am, new images showed Plamberger pushing on alone to the other side of the mountain. The picture, authorities say, was taken after he had already left his partner behind in the snow.
Footage recorded the next morning showed a helicopter searching the peak as part of an urgent rescue mission. But for Gurtner it was too late.
Investigators say Plamberger, an experienced high-altitude mountaineer who planned the trip, should have acted as the responsible guide. The couple had reportedly set out two hours late, battled winds of up to 74km/h and carried no proper emergency equipment. Despite the dangerous conditions, Gurtner attempted the final section using a splitboard and soft snow boots, which gear experts say is completely unsuitable for mixed high-alpine terrain.
A detailed forensic investigation followed, drawing on data from phones, sports watches, photos, videos and specialist alpine assessments. Authorities allege Plamberger ignored clear signs of his partner’s inexperience, failed to turn back long before nightfall and did not call for help when he should have. He is also accused of remaining silent even when a police helicopter flew directly overhead at 10.50pm.
As tributes continue to flow for Gurtner, the case has sparked widespread shock among Austria’s climbing community and renewed calls for greater caution on the country’s most challenging peaks.
Images: Jung Funeral Home
