Boy, 14, in Medically Induced Coma After He Hallucinated and Walked Off 120-Foot Cliff, Dad Says

Teen Boy Placed in Medically Induced Coma After Walked off Cliff While Hallucinating, Father Shares

A 14-year-old boy found himself in a medically induced coma after a terrifying incident where he walked off a cliff while experiencing hallucinations during a hike, as detailed by his father.

Ryan Wach recounted the harrowing experience involving his son, Zane, as they were attempting to climb Mount Whitney in California. The journey turned perilous when Zane began showing signs of altitude sickness, prompting them to start their descent back down the mountain, per reports from The Independent, SFGATE, and NBC affiliate KSNV.

Initially, Ryan mentioned that Zane’s altitude sickness seemed manageable. However, as they progressed downwards, his condition deteriorated. Ryan revealed to SFGATE that Zane started having hallucinations, describing seeing things like snowmen and Kermit the Frog.

The situation took a turn for the worse when Zane began to doubt reality, expressing confusion and even questioning if he was dreaming. At one point, he believed they had completed the hike multiple times while still far from their destination, reminiscent of a scene from the movie “Inception,” shared Ryan.

Struggling to distinguish between reality and hallucinations, Zane eventually inadvertently walked off a cliff, plummeting 120 feet. Witnessing his son’s fall, Ryan feared the worst but was relieved to find Zane still breathing after the impact.

Fortunately, the timely assistance of a nearby EMT and a group of hikers facilitated getting Zane the necessary help. After a six-hour wait for rescue teams, Zane was airlifted to Southern Inyo Hospital before being transferred to Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas, where he was induced into a coma due to his injuries, which include head trauma, a broken ankle, a broken finger, and a partially broken pelvis.

Ryan remains cautiously optimistic about Zane’s recovery, calling it a “survival story in the end.” Generous donations from a GoFundMe campaign have poured in, surpassing $23,000 to support Zane and his family with various expenses related to the incident.

Heather Riggen, the organizer of the fundraising campaign, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and belief in the power of community to uplift those in need. The rallying cry of “Team Zane” signifies solidarity in the face of adversity and encourages Zane to continue fighting.

This heart-wrenching tale serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that outdoor adventures can present, underscoring the importance of safety precautions and vigilance while exploring nature. The resilience and community support demonstrated in Zane’s story highlight the kindness and compassion that can emerge in times of crisis, offering hope and strength to those enduring difficult circumstances.

As Zane embarks on his road to recovery, the collective thoughts and prayers of well-wishers are a testament to the unwavering human spirit in overcoming adversity and emerging stronger on the other side.