The Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain: Thomas Plamberger told the court he had climbed the mountain four times before their ascent in January 2025. Getty Images/RooM RFAn experienced mountaineer has been found guilty of negligent manslaughter for leaving behind his girlfriend on the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, where she subsequently died. Plamberger told the court he had climbed the mountain four times before, three times in winter conditions, before their ascent on January 19th. The judge said Plamberger, as de facto climb leader, made a series of poor decisions. Plamberger denies he was he climb leader and that he made all decisions together with his late girlfriend.

Source: The Irish Times February 20, 2026 19:25 UTC