Death of Kerstin Gurtner

Uncommon card · No. 181153

In the early morning on 19 January 2025, Kerstin Gurtner died while attempting to summit the Grossglockner in Austria with her boyfriend, Thomas Plamberger. For disputed reasons, Plamberger left Gurtner behind on the slope during the night as conditions worsened, and she died of hypothermia before rescuers could arrive. The case received attention in the press and on social media, with controversy centering on Plamberger's responsibility to protect his less-experienced partner and on the dynamics between men and women in relationships during outdoor activities. The expedition began as an attempted single-day ascent on January 18, but the couple had been slowed by issues including problems with equipment and weather. As night fell, alpine police were notified of the couple's presence on the mountain and began rescue efforts, sending a rescue helicopter and attempting to contact Plamberger by phone. The couple did not acknowledge the helicopter and Plamberger declined help from rescuers over...

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