Overview
- Thomas Plamberger was found guilty of homicide by gross negligence and received a five‑month suspended sentence plus a €9,600 fine.
- The judge cited evidence that undercut his account, including the body being found hanging from a rock face and records that conflicted with his timeline.
- Prosecutors argued he functioned as the de facto guide and made critical errors: a late start, no proper emergency bivouac gear, permitting unsuitable soft snowboard boots, failing to signal a police helicopter, and delaying a clear distress call.
- Conditions were severe, with about −8 °C temperatures, a wind chill near −20 °C, and gusts up to 74 km/h, which prosecutors said warranted turning back.
- The defense insists the death was a tragic accident and says the pair planned the climb together and felt prepared, as legal observers debate the precedent this sets for alpine partners’ responsibilities.