Teen in Medically Induced Coma After Mount Whitney Fall Caused by Altitude Sickness

A 14-year-old boy from California remains in a medically induced coma after falling off a 120-foot cliff while hiking with his father on Mount Whitney, suffering from altitude sickness. The fall resulted in severe head trauma, along with broken bones including his ankle, finger, and pelvis.

The incident occurred during a descent from the mountain, where the father, Ryan Wach, initially believed his son, Zane, was in good health due to his active lifestyle and hiking experience. However, Zane began exhibiting symptoms of altitude sickness, such as hallucinations, during the hike. He reported seeing things like snowmen and Kermit the Frog, indicating severe neurological effects.

As they continued walking, Zane’s condition worsened. His behavior became erratic — he appeared to be sleepwalking, dragging his feet, and expressing confusion about reality. Wach noticed Zane trying to move toward a steep slope, leading to a harrowing moment where he had to hold him back to prevent a fall. In a moment of emotional distress, Wach briefly let go of Zane, who then walked to the edge of the cliff and fell.

Witnesses nearby called for rescue. Zane was left on the slope for about six hours until rescue teams airlifted him to a hospital in Las Vegas. Remarkably, considering the fall’s severity, doctors have described his prognosis as “fairly miraculous,” noting he was spared more serious injuries.

According to a recent update, Zane is gradually improving and has shown signs of consciousness, but he still faces a long recovery. His father mentioned that hallucinations like those Zane experienced are serious indicators of altitude sickness, specifically high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which causes brain swelling due to oxygen deprivation. This condition affects fewer than 1% of individuals at altitudes between 13,000 and 18,000 feet.