Authorities have identified the woman who tragically died from hypothermia after allegedly being abandoned by her boyfriend near the summit of Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak. Kerstin Gutner, a 33-year-old native of Salzburg, succumbed to freezing temperatures on January 19, 2024, less than 150 feet from the peak while being guided by her boyfriend, Thomas Plamberger, 39, who is now facing charges of negligent homicide.
According to the Innsbruck Public Prosecutor’s Office, Gutner, who had limited mountaineering experience, was led by Plamberger through treacherous conditions, reaching altitudes over 12,000 feet in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Prosecutors allege that at approximately 02:00 a.m., Plamberger left Gutner unprotected and in a state of exhaustion and hypothermia about 50 meters below the summit. She subsequently froze to death.
The couple began their ascent earlier in the evening, but by 20:50, they found themselves stranded. Despite spotting a police helicopter at 22:50, Plamberger failed to make an emergency call or signal for help. Webcam footage later confirmed their camp’s location near the summit, where Gutner was later discovered deceased.
Plamberger reportedly only contacted the Alpine Police at 01:35 a.m. Before doing so, he allegedly silenced his phone. By 02:30 a.m., he was seen descending the mountain alone, neglecting to cover Gutner with emergency blankets that were available. Prosecutors have indicated that he reached out to emergency services again at 03:30 a.m., after Gutner had already died.
In a statement, Plamberger’s lawyer, Kurt Jelinek, asserted his client’s innocence, claiming that Gutner’s death was a “tragic, fateful accident.” The case has sparked widespread public interest, with many offering tributes to Gutner on a memorial page. Comments included heartfelt messages such as “Rest in heavenly peace” and expressions of sorrow over her untimely death.
Plamberger was formally charged on Thursday, and his trial is anticipated to commence in February. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to three years for his alleged role in the incident.
The circumstances surrounding this case highlight the inherent dangers of winter mountaineering, particularly for those lacking experience. As investigations continue, the community reflects on the tragic loss of a young life in pursuit of adventure.
