Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Austrian Man Charged in Girlfriend's Mountain Death
A man from Austria is in trouble because his girlfriend died while they were climbing a very tall mountain.
The man knew a lot about climbing, but his girlfriend was new to it.
They started climbing late and didn't have the right clothes or tools.
When his girlfriend got too cold and tired, the man left her alone for a long time to get help.
By the time help arrived, she had already died.
The man says it was an accident, but others say he should have been more careful.
Now, he has to go to court to explain what happened.
A 39-year-old Austrian man is charged with manslaughter after his 33-year-old girlfriend died from freezing on Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak.
The woman, a beginner in high-altitude climbing, became exhausted and cold just 150 feet below the summit during a January climb in extreme weather.
The man, an experienced mountaineer, left her alone for over six hours to seek help, and she died before rescuers arrived.
Prosecutors argue he acted negligently by taking an inexperienced climber in dangerous conditions and not ensuring her safety.
The man's trial for manslaughter by gross negligence is set for February 19, 2026, with a possible sentence of up to three years in prison if found guilty.
- Who
- A 39-year-old Austrian man and his 33-year-old girlfriend
- What
- The man is charged with manslaughter after his girlfriend died from freezing on Grossglockner
- When
- The incident occurred in January during extremely bad weather; trial set for February 19, 2026
- Where
- Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain
- Why
- Prosecutors allege the man acted negligently by leaving his inexperienced girlfriend alone in dangerous conditions
- Victim's Age
- 33
- Victim's Experience
- Beginner in high-altitude climbing
- Mountain
- Grossglockner (Austria's highest peak)
- Accused's Age
- 39
- Accused's Experience
- Experienced mountaineer from Salzburg
- Charge
- Manslaughter by gross negligence
- Possible Sentence
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Trial Date
- February 19, 2026