Thomas P gives evidence on first day of trial in case that could shape standards for mountain sports
An Austrian mountaineer has said he is “endlessly sorry” his girlfriend froze to death on a joint climb to the country’s highest peak, but denied criminal wrongdoing as his trial began in Innsbruck.
The 37-year-old defendant, identified only as Thomas P, gave evidence on the first day of the high-profile proceedings over the tragedy on Großglockner, in a case that could shape international standards for liability in mountain sports.
During emotional testimony, Thomas P told the judge he was not guilty of the charge of gross negligent manslaughter for the death by hypothermia of his 33-year-old partner, Kerstin G, whom he is accused of wrongfully abandoning near the summit.
He said he wanted it to be known “that I am endlessly sorry about what happened, and how it happened” on the morning of 19 January 2025, local media reported from the courtroom.
