Miracle recovery: teen who fell 120 feet reveals unexpected desire after coma escape

This story isn’t just about survival, it’s about a family’s resilience, the randomness of nature, and the stubborn determination of a 14-year-old who still wants to climb mountains.

What happened to Zane Wach?

Zane Wach’s hike with his father, Ryan, began as a bonding trip to conquer Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states. They made the summit. But during the long descent, after nearly 19 hours on the trail, Zane began showing signs of altitude sickness. His father later recalled him pointing out snow patches that looked like snowmen and lakes that reminded him of “Kermit the Frog and his friends.”

Then came the moment Ryan still struggles to describe. Zane walked straight toward the edge. “He just walked over the edge like he was walking to the car,” Ryan told NBC Los Angeles. His son plunged 120 feet onto granite.

How did he survive a 120-foot fall?

Rescue crews reached the site six hours later, and a helicopter flew Zane to a pediatric trauma center in Las Vegas. He was in a coma for weeks. Doctors credited quick intervention, a helmet, and sheer luck for his survival.

Will Zane climb again?

Back in Santa Clarita, classmates at Hart High School greeted him with posters and messages of support. Zane is relearning basic skills and working with a therapist daily. He won’t return to school this year, but he says therapy is helping him “every day.”

Asked if he’d climb again, Zane didn’t hesitate: “Definitely.” I’m not sure I’d be so sure about that after his experience, so fair play to him.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.