What Really Happened During Final Chat Before Tragic Mountain Mishap

A 39-year-old climber, Thomas Plamberger, is on trial in Innsbruck for the death of his girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, during a winter climb of Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak on January 19, 2025. Gurtner, 33, was found 150 feet below the 12,460-foot summit following extreme weather conditions overnight.

Prosecutors claim that during the climb, Gurtner, described as less experienced, struggled near the summit as temperatures dropped to -8°C. Plamberger, with more experience, allegedly left her around 2 a.m. to seek help, returning hours later. Despite rescue efforts the next morning, Gurtner could not be saved.

The prosecution argues that Plamberger, as the more experienced climber and trip organizer, was responsible for ensuring safety. They claim he did not relocate Gurtner to a safer spot or provide additional protective gear. Allegations include delays in emergency calls and unanswered attempts to contact him, raising questions about the response to worsening conditions.

Plamberger's defense maintains that seeking help was a mutual decision under pressure. His lawyer describes the incident as a tragic accident, highlighting the couple's happy relationship and future plans. Gurtner's mother has defended both her daughter's abilities and Plamberger's character amid public scrutiny.

The trial continues as the court examines evidence related to the mountain tragedy and assesses the conflicting accounts presented by the prosecution and defense.