Key Point Summary – Teen Falls From Altitude Sickness
- 14-year-old fell 120 feet while hiking
- Suffered hallucinations of snowmen and Kermit the Frog
- Father watched helplessly as teen walked off cliff
- Zane is now in a medically induced coma
- Injuries include head trauma, broken ankle, finger, pelvis
- Hikers called rescue team after disturbing behavior
- Search & rescue teams spent hours retrieving him
Hallucinations Before the Horror
A California teen is fighting for his life after suffering a terrifying fall during a hike up Mount Whitney. The 14-year-old, Zane Wach, plunged 120 feet after experiencing intense hallucinations linked to altitude sickness.
His father, Ryan Wach, said the nightmare began during their June 10 trip through the Sierra Nevada. What started as a father-son bonding hike turned into a disaster.
Zane had seemed perfectly fit for the trek. A seasoned athlete, he was no stranger to endurance. But somewhere above 13,000 feet, reality began to bend.
Delusions and Warning Signs
As they descended the mountain, Zane started acting strangely. He told his father he was seeing things that weren’t there — including snowmen and even Kermit the Frog. Yet he was still lucid enough to admit something was off.
Zane appeared to improve briefly, but within an hour his state worsened. He began doubting reality, saying the hike had already ended multiple times. At one point, he told his dad he wasn’t sure if he was dreaming.
Descent Turns Into Disaster
Despite these signs, the two pressed on, aiming to reach their car. Other hikers took notice. They called for help after seeing Zane’s bizarre behavior. But help didn’t arrive in time.
Suddenly, the teen bolted toward a ledge, claiming he was heading for dinner or the car. His father managed to pull him back the first time. But moments later, while wiping away tears, Ryan looked up to see his son had slipped away again.
“I turned and he was gone,” Ryan recalled. “He just walked right off the cliff.”
Deadly Drop and Desperate Rescue
Zane fell roughly 120 feet onto jagged terrain below. His father scrambled down, frantic. Miraculously, a nearby hiker happened to be a trained EMT.
The rescue took over six hours. Inyo County Search & Rescue teams faced steep terrain and fading daylight. They finally airlifted Zane to a hospital in Lone Pine, then transferred him to Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas.
Doctors were stunned he had survived.
Father’s Guilt and Helplessness
Ryan Wach has spoken out about the haunting moments leading up to the fall. His grief is palpable.
“He was acting like he was sleepwalking,” Ryan said. “He said, ‘This isn’t real.'”
Despite noticing the changes, Ryan admitted he felt powerless. He tried to comfort Zane, to steer him back to safety. But in a split second, it all went wrong.
Understanding the Silent Killer
Zane’s condition was diagnosed as high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), an extreme form of altitude sickness. The brain swells from lack of oxygen, causing confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations.
According to experts, HACE affects less than 1% of hikers at extreme altitudes. But when it strikes, it can be fatal without rapid intervention.
The Wachs had planned their hike carefully, but altitude sickness can appear suddenly and escalate fast.
GoFundMe Campaign and Public Reaction
News of the tragedy spread quickly. A GoFundMe page launched to support Zane’s recovery has drawn thousands in donations. The teen briefly opened his eyes this week, offering a sliver of hope.
Hikers across the country are reacting with shock. Many say they had no idea altitude sickness could trigger such vivid delusions.
“It could happen to any of us,” one commenter wrote. “This story changed how I think about hiking safety.”
From Tragedy to Awareness
Zane’s story has turned into a warning for hikers and families alike. While the mountains promise adventure, they also carry invisible risks.
Medical experts are calling for more awareness and signage on popular trails about HACE. Some are urging that minors not hike extreme altitudes without full medical clearance.
Holding Onto Hope
Zane remains in a coma, but doctors are cautiously optimistic. His youth and fitness may work in his favor during recovery.
His father continues to stay by his side, hoping for another miracle. “We got him back once. We can do it again,” Ryan said.
Mount Whitney, majestic yet merciless, now stands as a solemn reminder. One moment of confusion, one misstep, and everything can change.