Mountain Climber Faces Manslaughter Charges After Girlfriend's Death on Austrian Peak
Thomas Plamberger, a 36-year-old mountain climber, is facing charges of manslaughter by gross negligence after his girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, froze to death on Austria's highest peak, Grossglockner. The incident occurred in January when the couple attempted a night climb. Gurtner, inexperienced and poorly equipped, became exhausted near the summit. Plamberger left her to seek help, but she succumbed to the harsh conditions, including gale-force winds and extreme cold. Prosecutors allege Plamberger failed to act responsibly, leaving Gurtner unprotected and hypothermic. An investigation revealed critical errors in Plamberger's actions, including a delayed start and failure to signal for help effectively. 
