Conviction Delivered for Thomas P Over 2025 Grossglockner Fatality On 20 February 2026 the Innsbruck state court found 37‑year‑old Thomas P guilty of gross negligent manslaughter for the death of his 33‑year‑old girlfriend, Kerstin G, who froze to death about 50 m below the 3,798‑m summit of the Grossglockner during a January 2025 ascent [1][2][3]. Prosecutors argued that Thomas P, a seasoned alpinist, ignored warning signs and left his partner stranded, while the defence maintained he only sought help after she requested it [1][2]. The verdict follows a one‑day trial that attracted extensive social‑media commentary [1][3].

Suspended Prison Term and Fine Reflect Mitigating Circumstances The court imposed a five‑month suspended prison sentence and a €9,600 (≈$11,300) fine, far below the three‑year maximum for the offence [1][3]. Judges cited Thomas P’s clean criminal record and the personal loss of his partner as mitigating factors, and noted the “public discussion on social media” as an aggravating element [2][3]. The fine was described as the statutory amount for such a conviction [1].

Harsh Alpine Weather and Delayed Rescue Contributed to Death Meteorological data presented at trial recorded winds up to 74 km/h and temperatures of –8 °C with a –20 °C wind chill during the climb [3][4]. Rescue teams later found Kerstin G’s body hanging upside down on a rock face, and no distress signal was transmitted before a police helicopter overflew the area at 22:30 on 18 January [3][4]. The timeline shows the couple reached the Frühstücksplatz at 13:30, became stuck around 20:50, ignored the helicopter at 22:50, placed a call to mountain police at 00:35, and Thomas P descended at 02:00 before notifying emergency services at 03:30, when rescue was no longer feasible [4].

Ruling May Redefine Criminal Liability for Alpine Guides Legal analysts warn the guilty verdict could create a precedent extending criminal liability to guides who misjudge alpine risk, a shift highlighted by Der Standard [4]. Both the prosecution and the judge emphasized the duty of experienced climbers to turn back under hazardous conditions [1][3]. Thomas P retains the right to appeal the decision, a step that could further shape Austrian mountain‑law jurisprudence [1][3].