In a harrowing incident that underscores the dangers of high-altitude hiking, 14-year-old Zane Wach experienced severe altitude sickness while trekking along California‘s Mount Whitney with his father, Ryan Wach, in June 2025. As an experienced hiker and competitor in distance running, swimming, and triathlons, Zane was well-acquainted with physical challenges, but nothing could prepare him for the disorienting effects of the altitude.
Struggling with Altitude Sickness
During their hike, Zane began to exhibit disturbing symptoms, including hallucinations. His father, Ryan, recounted the shocking moment, saying, “He started to experience some hallucinations. He knew he was hallucinating. He said he saw things like snowmen and Kermit the Frog.” As they navigated the rugged terrain, Ryan found himself continuously needing to intervene, stopping Zane from walking off the edge of a cliff several times.
A Desperate Situation
Ryan reflected on the state his son was in, noting, “He was in an altered mental state, and I don’t know what caused it. We still don’t know. My best guess is a combination of exhaustion, sleep deprivation, probably some dehydration and lasting effects from altitude sickness. But he essentially started to doubt reality.” Ultimately, after struggling with his condition, Zane lost his footing and fell approximately 120 feet off a cliff, an event that Ryan was too far away to prevent.
Rescue and Recovery
Following the fall, Ryan waited six agonizing hours for an Inyo County Search & Rescue helicopter to arrive and transport Zane to Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine. There, he was stabilized before being transferred to a pediatric trauma center in Las Vegas. Zane was placed into a medically induced coma as doctors worked to address his critical injuries, which included head trauma, a broken finger, ankle, and a fractured pelvis. Thankfully, he eventually began to breathe on his own.
A Father’s Hope
Despite the severity of the situation, Ryan remains hopeful for his son’s future. “It’s going to be a survival story in the end,” he expressed, emphasizing that they are still navigating the challenges of Zane’s recovery. “But right now we’re still in the middle of it.” As they face this uncertain journey together, their experience serves as a reminder of the potential hazards that come with high-altitude hiking and the vital importance of preparation and awareness.
