Thomas Plamberger Manslaughter Charge

Thomas Plamberger, an experienced mountaineer, is accused of manslaughter by gross negligence after his girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, froze to death on Austria — Grossglockner, Austria's tallest mountain, in January. Prosecutors allege that Thomas Plamberger abandoned Kerstin Gurtner, who was inexperienced and ill-equipped, 50 meters below the summit in -20C temperatures. He is also accused of starting the climb late, failing to carry emergency equipment, not moving Kerstin Gurtner to a sheltered spot, and delaying contacting rescue services for several hours. Thomas Plamberger denies the accusations, stating Kerstin Gurtner's death was a 'tragic, fateful accident' and that he left to get help. His trial is scheduled to begin in Austria — Innsbruck in February, where he faces up to three years in prison if convicted.