An Austrian man has received a five-month probation sentence after abandoning his critically ill girlfriend on the country's highest mountain to seek help. According to the court, the man, an experienced climber, exhibited gross negligence both during the preparation for the climb and while on the mountain, as reported by Kronen Zeitung. The couple began their hike in January 2025 but faced delays due to a tangled rope, and the woman's health rapidly deteriorated without them contacting for assistance. Eventually, unable to continue, she told the man to save himself, leading to her tragic death from hypothermia on the mountain.

The court's ruling highlighted the man's lack of decision-making in a critical situation, emphasizing that they did not seek help despite the rapidly worsening condition of the woman. The case raises questions about responsibility and the ethical obligations climbers have toward their partners in perilous situations. The man was found guilty of causing another's death due to his inaction and negligence, underscoring the importance of safety protocols in climbing.

In addition to the probation, the man was also ordered to pay a fine of €9,600, equivalent to over 102,000 Swedish kronor. This tragic incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mountaineering and the importance of emergency preparedness and communication in potentially life-threatening circumstances.