‘It’s a Witch Hunt’: Mother of Woman Dead in Austria’s Highest Peak Defends Daughter’s Boyfriend Charged With Leaving Her To Die
Kerstin Gurtner died at peak Grossglockner. Many blamed his boyfriend, but not his mother.
The tragic story of Thomas Plamberger and Kerstin Gurtner has captured widespread attention.
Plamberger, an experienced mountaineer, faces criminal charges in Austria for allegedly leaving his girlfriend, Gurtner, to die from exposure on Grossglockner, the country’s highest peak.
According to Welt:
“The Innsbruck public prosecutor’s office views the case not merely as a tragic accident but as grossly negligent homicide, which carries a potential prison sentence of three years in Austria. The entire climb was planned and executed amateurishly. The trial of the man who left his girlfriend on the mountain begins Thursday. The couple started their hike around 6:45 a.m., aiming for the challenging Stüdlgrat route. Investigators note that Kerstin G. had never attempted a high-altitude tour of this length and difficulty, and the wintry conditions added to the challenge. Despite this, Thomas P. did not carry emergency bivouac equipment, believing it unnecessary.”
In a surprising development, Gurtner’s mother has publicly criticized what she calls a “witch hunt” against Plamberger.
The Telegraph reports:
“Thomas P., 39, was charged with grossly negligent homicide after Kerstin G., 33, died while hiking in the Austrian Alps on January 18, 2025. However, her mother said it made her ‘angry’ that her daughter was being portrayed as a ‘naïve little thing.’ She added, ‘I think it’s unfair how Kerstin’s boyfriend is being treated. There’s a witch hunt against him in the media and online. The two of them always made their decisions together. Many people who blame him have never been in such a situation. It’s easy to be a hero from the comfort of your own home.’”
Kerstin collapsed from exhaustion just 150 feet from the summit.
Plamberger reportedly left her behind to descend the mountain and seek help. During the six hours he was gone, Kerstin succumbed to the extreme cold.
He now faces accusations of multiple life-threatening errors during the climb and could face up to three years in prison if convicted.
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