The top of the mountain, a trust and a decision that ended everything. On the snow covered heights he might have thought, “He will return”, but while waiting, his breathing stopped. Leaving his girlfriend alone on the top of the mountain and coming down was probably a decision for the boyfriend, but the same decision took away a life.

austria In this heart-wrenching case, the court clearly said, “This is not just an accident, but negligence. The cost of breaking trust and turning away from responsibility was ultimately the loss of a life.”

What is the whole matter?

A shocking case has come to light in Austria, where a young man was convicted of culpable homicide for leaving his girlfriend alone on a mountain top. The court accepted that the woman lost her life due to his negligence. In fact, according to the Innsbruck Public Prosecutor’s Office, 36-year-old Thomas Plumburger was trying to climb the peak of Grossglockner with his girlfriend Kirstin Gertner, 33, on January 19, when Kirstin suffered from hypothermia. He also complained of fatigue.

Where and how did the incident happen?

This incident took place at Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. On the top of this mountain, the woman suddenly started feeling tired and weak, after which she became unable to move forward.

What had the accused done?

Accused Thomas Plumber claimed that he decided to descend to bring help. However, the court found that he did not ensure adequate support and left the girlfriend alone in dangerous conditions.

How did the woman die?

The next morning the body of woman Kirstin Gertner was found a few meters below the top of the mountain. Initial investigation considered cold and hypothermia as the cause of death.

What decision did the court give?

The Innsbruck court found the accused guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced him to 5 months of suspended jail and a fine. The court said that the victim had trusted her partner for her safety, which he broke.

Is this case an example of ‘Personal Responsibility’?

This case is being seen as a great example of “duty of care” in mountaineering. The court made it clear that if you are on a risky journey with someone, then his/her safety also becomes your responsibility.

What is the lesson to be learned from this case?

This case shows that even a small carelessness in adventure sports can prove fatal. Right decision, timely help and not abandoning company – this is the biggest safety in any hike or trek.