Austrian man charged after girlfriend allegedly left to freeze to death on Grossglockner

Fatal Alpine climb negligence case

An Austrian man has been charged with grossly negligent manslaughter after allegedly leaving his girlfriend to freeze to death on Austria’s highest mountain Grossglockner early this year, according to prosecutors.

The woman, a 33-year-old novice climber, and her 36-year-old partner attempted a winter ascent of the 12,460-foot peak on January 19. Webcam footage of their climb that shows both headlamps on the mountain, traces their final hours.

According to charges filed this week, the experienced man acted as the de facto guide. Prosecutors allege that around 50 meters (roughly 160 feet) below the summit, the woman became exhausted, hypothermic and disoriented. Instead of sheltering her or using emergency thermal blankets, the man allegedly descended alone to seek help, leaving her in sub-zero conditions while temperatures dropped and gusty winds battered the slopes.

Authorities say the couple began their climb behind schedule, lacked crucial emergency equipment and faced dangerously low temperatures (reported as low as –20°C) and 45-46 mph winds. The woman was reportedly wearing inappropriate gear, a soft snow-boot and splitboard, deemed unsuitable for a high-altitude winter ascent.

Despite signs of danger, the climb continued. Rescue services were reportedly contacted early in the morning, around 3.30 am. But by then, the woman had already succumbed to exposure. A helicopter rescue was delayed due to high winds, and when mountain rescuers finally reached her more than six hours after the man allegedly abandoned her, she was dead.

Prosecutors argue that, given his experience and role as expedition organiser, the man bore responsibility for her safety and that his inaction constituted gross negligence. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison.

The tragic incident has sparked intense public outrage across Europe. Many have condemned the decision to push on despite clear signs of peril, highlighting the risks of combining inexperienced climbers with harsh winter conditions.

As the legal case unfolds, prosecutors say they will seek to prove that the man’s failure to protect his partner turned what might have been a perilous climb into a criminal act.