An unforgettable father-son hike meant to create lifelong memories took a devastating turn. What started as a joyful adventure quickly spiraled into a nightmare, leaving the teenager fighting for his life in a hospital.
The heartbreaking story behind this tragic day will leave you stunned.
Keep reading to uncover the full, harrowing details.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 14-year-old Zane Wach from California was placed in a medically induced coma after accidentally walking off a 120-foot cliff during a family hike. Although he has now been taken off the ventilator, his journey to recovery is far from over.
Last month, in June, Zane and his father, Ryan Wach, were climbing Mount Whitney in the Sierra Nevada mountains—a trip meant to be a special bonding experience. But as they ascended, Zane began to experience vivid hallucinations. “He said he could see snowmen and Kermit the Frog,” his father shared. “It was like he was trapped in the movie ‘Inception’—unable to tell what was real.”
Doctors believe Zane’s symptoms were caused by altitude sickness. Moments after expressing uncertainty about whether he was dreaming or awake, he tragically stepped off a ledge and fell 120 feet down a rocky slope.
Ryan turned away briefly to wipe tears from his eyes. When he looked back to grab his son, it was too late.
After a grueling six-hour rescue operation, Zane was airlifted to Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas, the closest trauma center. Medical staff called his survival “fairly miraculous,” given the severity of his injuries.
Since the accident, Zane has been on heavy medication. As doctors begin to wean him off the drugs, he is experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms. “Watching him go through this is unbearable,” Ryan wrote. “The drugs are strong, and coming off them is extremely hard.”
The community has rallied around Zane, showing their support in heartfelt ways. Austin Dave, a journalist with Key News Network, shared a video of Zane’s Hart High School swim team—where he was not only a swimmer but also a junior coach—making cards and sending messages of encouragement.
“Zane, we are thinking of you and rooting for you every day,” said Linda Ortega, president of the Hart Swim parent board. “We’re here to support you—whether it’s the Hart Swim Team or the 002 Sharks. We know you’ll come back stronger than ever.”
To help cover mounting medical costs, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $36,000 toward their $40,000 goal.
We send our deepest wishes for strength and healing to Zane and his family as he fights to recover from this ordeal. Please share this story to help spread hope and support.