More than a year after a 33-year-old woman died from exposure on Austria's highest mountain, her boyfriend was put on trial and found guilty of negligent homicide. Identified in Austrian media as Thomas P., he received a five-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €9,400 (approximately R$57,600). The court concluded that Thomas was responsible for severe negligence as he left his girlfriend, Kerstin G., in a vulnerable state close to the summit in adverse weather conditions while he sought help.

Kerstin G. tragically succumbed to hypothermia during an ill-fated climb of Grossglockner, which caught significant media attention not only in Austria but also across the mountaineering community worldwide. The prosecution stated that Thomas, being the more experienced climber, was considered the 'responsible guide for the excursion' and did not return for his girlfriend after realizing her perilous condition early on January 19, 2025.

This case has ignited discussions about accountability and safety in mountaineering, highlighting the ethical responsibilities climbers owe to one another in precarious situations. The implications are profound, as they encourage a reevaluation of decision-making practices among climbers, particularly regarding the risks involved in extreme sports and the moral obligations climbers have towards their partners.