A 39-year-old man from Austria has been arrested after abandoning his 33-year-old girlfriend on the country’s highest mountain, Grossglockner, leaving her to freeze to death in one of the most tragic cases of mountaineering negligence. Prosecutors have charged the man with manslaughter by gross negligence following the death of his girlfriend, who succumbed to hypothermia near the summit of the 12,460-foot peak. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering and the responsibilities climbers have toward one another in life-threatening situations.

The couple began their ascent up Grossglockner two hours later than originally planned, a delay that put them in a vulnerable position. As they continued their climb, they were met with extreme weather conditions, including 46 mph winds and wind chills approaching –20°C. These hazardous conditions significantly impaired their ability to ascend safely, especially as the temperatures dropped further as nightfall approached. Such harsh weather conditions are common at high altitudes, and experts often warn climbers about the risks of hypothermia and exhaustion when proper preparations are not made.

According to prosecutors, the man left his girlfriend behind just 150 feet below the summit, telling her that he would descend to seek help. Tragically, this decision proved to be fatal. The woman was left alone, exposed to the freezing temperatures with no means of shelter or support. The man reportedly delayed contacting emergency services until approximately 3:30 AM, a decision that further exacerbated the situation. During this critical window, the woman was left to struggle against the elements as she awaited rescue.

Rescue teams were dispatched after the emergency call was made, but due to the extreme conditions and the delayed response, it took several hours for them to reach the woman. By the time the rescue teams arrived around 10 AM, it was too late. The woman was found dead, having succumbed to the deadly effects of hypothermia. The tragic outcome raises serious questions about the man’s decision-making and responsibility during a high-risk situation, especially in light of the couple’s delayed start and the severe weather conditions they encountered.

The trial for the man has been scheduled for February 19, 2026. He faces charges of manslaughter by gross negligence, a serious crime that carries significant legal and moral implications. Prosecutors argue that the man’s actions were reckless and that he failed to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of his girlfriend in the face of such hazardous conditions. In mountaineering, climbers are expected to take all necessary precautions and to look out for one another, particularly in extreme environments like the high-altitude, freezing temperatures of Grossglockner.

This incident underscores the dangers of mountaineering in extreme conditions and the importance of preparedness, not only in terms of physical fitness and equipment but also in regard to decision-making and safety. Climbers are often faced with life-or-death decisions, and the consequences of poor judgment can be devastating. As the case moves forward, it is likely to serve as a reminder to mountaineers worldwide about the critical need for caution, timely decision-making, and mutual responsibility when taking on dangerous climbs.