Man investigated for leaving 17-year-old on Germany's highest mountain

The weather was so poor that the two climbers were soon knee-deep in snow, according to Austrian reports, and their plans to reach the 2,962m summit soon changed.

At one point they separated and the 21-year-old descended alone. The reason they split is unclear, and a police spokesperson declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Seven mountain rescuers responded to the call, and a helicopter eventually airlifted the teenager off the mountain. She was then taken to hospital by ambulance.

Although the teenager survived, what happened on Zugspitze on Sunday is reminiscent of a fatal incident on Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner, in January 2025.