An Austrian man has been found guilty of leaving his girlfriend to freeze to death while they were hiking in the Alps near Grossglockner, Austria's tallest peak. The couple was hiking in January 2025 when the man, an experienced climber, decided to continue onward despite the woman expressing her lack of experience and worries about the challenging conditions just weeks before the expedition. Once on the mountain, the weather worsened with severe winds and temperatures dropping to around -20 degrees Celsius.

Despite her deteriorating condition, the man failed to seek help after she fell behind, leaving her exposed and lost without protection. The prosecution recounted the events, emphasizing that even when it became apparent that his girlfriend was struggling to keep up and was in distress, he chose not to turn back or alert authorities for assistance. This decision ultimately led to her tragic death from hypothermia, highlighting serious questions about responsibility and decision-making in high-risk environments.

This incident has drawn media attention not only in Austria but also from international outlets, raising discussions around safety protocols for hiking and the responsibilities individuals have towards their partners in precarious situations. The case serves as a grim reminder of the inherent dangers of mountain climbing and the critical importance of communication and judgment in outdoor adventures, particularly when one party may not be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.