Shocking Cause of Death by Boyfriend as Alpine Tragedy Raises Questions

Austrian investigators say a woman who froze to death on Grossglockner mountain was left alone for hours by her boyfriend during a high-altitude climb in January. The shocking cause of death by boyfriend allegation has led to a manslaughter charge and intense public scrutiny.

Prosecutors identified the victim as 33-year-old Kerstin Gurtner from Salzburg. She died on January 18 after being left in extreme cold near the summit of Austria’s highest peak. Her boyfriend, 39-year-old Thomas Plamberger, is accused of abandoning her during the climb.

Shocking Cause of Death by Boyfriend Under Criminal Review

Authorities allege that Plamberger left Gurtner “unprotected, exhausted, hypothermic, and disoriented” roughly 165 feet below the summit. The temperature at the time was about minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the public prosecutor’s office, the pair began their ascent too late, and key safety equipment was missing.

Investigators say webcam footage captured the couple’s lights around 6 p.m. as they continued climbing. Hours later, the light signals dimmed as batteries drained. Officials report that an image taken at around 2:30 a.m. appeared to show Plamberger descending alone on the opposite side of the mountain.

Rescuers reached Gurtner early on January 19. She had already died. Prosecutors outline nine critical failures attributed to Plamberger. These include starting the ascent two hours late, allowing the use of unsuitable equipment, not sending an emergency alert before nightfall, not signaling a rescue helicopter, and placing his phone on silent while his partner deteriorated.

Authorities argue that Plamberger was the experienced climber and therefore the responsible guide. They claim he failed to act at several stages when Gurtner began showing signs of distress, cold stress, and exhaustion. The charge of manslaughter by gross negligence was confirmed by the Innsbruck Regional Court.

Public Reaction and Legal Proceedings

The case has triggered national debate in Austria. Many questioned the decisions made during the climb and the hours Gurtner spent alone in extreme conditions. Her memorial page received hundreds of tributes describing her as a kind and joyful person.

Family and friends voiced grief and anger, with several posts calling for justice. The prosecution’s detailed accusations intensified public attention on the upcoming trial. The case has become one of the most closely watched mountaineering tragedies in recent years.

The trial is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2026. If convicted, Plamberger faces significant penalties under Austrian criminal law. The investigation continues to examine whether additional factors contributed to the shocking cause of death by boyfriend claim.

The case will remain under scrutiny as the court reviews evidence, mountaineering procedures, and the final hours before Gurtner’s death. The shocking cause of death by boyfriend allegation will be central to the proceedings.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the shocking cause of death by boyfriend allegation?

Prosecutors say the boyfriend left the victim alone on the mountain in extreme cold, leading to her death from hypothermia. The case is being treated as gross negligence.

Q2: What mistakes are investigators highlighting?

They list nine failures, including late departure, lack of equipment, delayed emergency actions, and failure to protect the victim from severe cold.

Q3: When is the trial scheduled?

The trial begins on February 19, 2026 at the Innsbruck Regional Court. More evidence will be reviewed at that time.

Q4: How close were they to the summit?

The pair were about 165 feet from the top when the victim could no longer continue due to exhaustion and hypothermia.

Q5: What evidence exists from the climb?

Webcam footage reportedly captured their lights during the ascent and later showed the boyfriend descending alone around 2:30 a.m.