[rohrmann]

Did you turn on the fridge with the breaker in the panel or with the on/off switch on the fridge? If you did this with the breaker and it tripped the GFI, maybe check the outlet where the plug from the fridge plugs into behind the fridge. If you got water into the outlet box, it's possible that moisture is what could be tripping the GFI. Something to check before you go to the hassle of replacing heating elements.