Teen Survives 120-Foot Fall on Mount Whitney

What was supposed to be a bonding hike between a father and son quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal. Fourteen-year-old Zane Wach and his father were climbing California’s Mount Whitney when Zane began to show signs of altitude sickness. As they ascended the Mountaineer’s Route, Zane grew disoriented, hallucinating that he saw cartoon characters in the snow.

Before his father could react, Zane stepped off a cliff and fell more than 120 feet down a granite slope.

Emergency Rescue and Medical Fight

Thanks to quick thinking by other hikers—including an off-duty EMT—rescue teams were contacted immediately. Zane was located and airlifted to a nearby hospital, before being transferred to a pediatric trauma center in Las Vegas. He sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ankle, finger, and head trauma. For weeks, he remained in a medically induced coma, relying on a ventilator to breathe.

His family stayed by his side through it all, offering updates and rallying community support during his most fragile moments.

Signs of Recovery and a Long Road Ahead

On June 26, Zane was finally removed from the ventilator—a milestone his father called “giant.” It was the first clear indication that the teen was beginning to recover on his own. However, the journey ahead is far from over. He’s now dealing with withdrawal symptoms after prolonged sedation, a painful process both physically and emotionally.

His father described the experience as heartbreaking but remains hopeful. “It’s going to be a survival story in the end,” he said, “but right now we’re still in the middle of it.”

Community Rallies Behind Zane

Zane’s story has sparked an outpouring of support from his school, swim team, and neighbors. A fundraising campaign for medical costs has gathered tens of thousands of dollars. Friends and strangers alike have left messages of encouragement and prayers for his continued recovery.

His family hopes that Zane’s experience will raise awareness about the dangers of altitude sickness—especially for younger hikers or those unfamiliar with its symptoms.

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