General · 18 February 2026
Thomas P stands trial after girlfriend freezes on mountain
Photo by Benjamin Behre on Unsplash
Thomas P appears in court charged with gross negligent manslaughter after his partner, Kerstin G, died from hypothermia on Austria’s highest mountain. Prosecutors allege he committed nine errors, including starting the ascent late and permitting inadequate footwear despite severe winds and freezing temperatures. While the defence insists the tragedy was an accident involving two prepared climbers, a guilty verdict could reshape laws regarding mountain sports liability.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs