A recent incident on Mount Whitney in California has highlighted the serious risks associated with high-altitude hiking. On June 10, a father and his 14-year-old son, Zane Wach, embarked on what should have been an exciting outdoor adventure. However, it quickly turned into a nightmare when Zane experienced severe altitude sickness and subsequently suffered a serious fall.
Ryan Wach, Zane’s father, stated that he initially had full confidence in his son’s abilities. Zane is an active teenager, participating in sports like distance running, swimming, and triathlons, and had some prior hiking experience. The pair intended for this hike to serve as Zane’s introduction to mountaineering.
As they ascended the mountain, Zane began to show symptoms of altitude sickness, which is common at high elevations. Ryan noticed that his son was struggling but felt reassured, believing they had passed the most challenging part of the hike. Choosing a simpler route for their descent, Ryan hoped this would make their journey safer. Unfortunately, Zane’s condition worsened as they made their way down.
The effects of altitude sickness began to take hold. Zane started to experience hallucinations, seeing things like snowmen and familiar characters such as Kermit the Frog. It was alarming for Ryan to witness this change in his son’s mental state. Zane was aware that he was hallucinating, making it all the more distressing for his father.
Despite these alarming symptoms, Ryan believed that Zane, who had moments of clarity, was improving as they continued down the trail. However, as they progressed, Zane’s grip on reality began to fade. He expressed confusing thoughts, saying that they had already completed the hike multiple times. This troubling behavior prompted other hikers nearby to request help from a search and rescue team.
Things took a turn for the worse when Zane, appearing disoriented, began walking toward a steep edge. Ryan managed to grab his son before he fell, but Zane’s disorientation led him to mistakenly believe he was heading toward their car or that he needed to find dinner. Frustrated and emotionally drained, Ryan struggled to keep his son safe. In a moment of desperation, he let go, and before he could react, Zane walked off the edge, falling approximately 120 feet down the slope.
The fall left Zane seriously injured, with head trauma and other injuries. Ryan rushed down to reach his son, receiving assistance from a passing hiker who happened to be an EMT. Zane remained on the slope for hours as search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to bring him back to safety. Eventually, he was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors remarked on the miraculous nature of his survival, given the extent of his injuries.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover Zane’s medical expenses. Ryan mentioned that his son is showing signs of improvement, having briefly opened his eyes, but there is still a long recovery ahead.
This harrowing event serves as a reminder of the dangers of altitude sickness, particularly a severe form known as high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which can result in brain swelling due to inadequate oxygen. While such occurrences are rare, affecting fewer than 1% of individuals at high elevations, they underscore the importance of preparing adequately for outdoor activities, especially in challenging environments like mountains.
As a society, we must appreciate the beauty of nature but also respect its dangers. Educating outdoor enthusiasts about risks associated with altitude and providing them with guidance can help prevent unfortunate incidents like Zane’s from happening in the future. Outdoor adventures should be enjoyed safely, with an awareness of one’s own limits, ensuring that experiences remain joyful and safe for everyone involved.
