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February 18, 2026
Climber faces manslaughter charge after leaving girlfriend on Austria’s tallest peak
Kerstin G froze to death on Großglockner when Thomas P descended mountain to fetch help

TL;DR
- Thomas P, 36, is accused of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend, Kerstin G, 33, died of hypothermia on Großglockner on January 19, 2025.
- Prosecutors claim Thomas P's poor judgment and risk-taking as the more experienced climber made him criminally liable.
- Thomas P left Kerstin G, who was exhausted and unprotected, about 50 meters below the summit to fetch help.
- The trial will examine nine alleged major errors by Thomas P, including proceeding with the climb despite Kerstin G's lack of experience on such a difficult tour and unfavorable weather conditions.
- The defense maintains the couple was sufficiently experienced, prepared, and equipped, and that the death was a tragic accident.
- Kerstin G's mother does not hold Thomas P responsible and calls the situation a "witch-hunt."
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