Glen Keane, the renowned animator celebrated for his contributions to Disney classics in the 1990s, faced a medical emergency while hiking in Paradise Valley, Arizona, last month. The 72-year-old artist, who is known for his work on beloved films such as *The Little Mermaid* and *Beauty and the Beast*, was hiking with his grandchildren when he began to feel unwell.
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The incident occurred on July 29, when firefighters in Phoenix received reports of a hiker in distress at the summit of Mummy Mountain. Phoenix Fire Captain Todd Keller confirmed that the hiker was identified as Keane. According to reports, he experienced dizziness and found himself unable to descend the mountain without assistance.
Keane, who had been enjoying a day out with his grandchildren, recognised that the terrain had become too challenging for him to navigate alone. He subsequently made the decision to call for help, recalling, “I knew that I really needed help.”
In response, the Phoenix Fire Department dispatched a helicopter to the location to safely transport him to a nearby landing zone. While first responders offered to take him to the hospital for further evaluation, Keane opted to decline their assistance, expressing his gratitude to the rescue team.
Reflecting on the experience, Keane shared his thoughts as he was being lifted by helicopter. “I was looking at all the areas that I used to climb around as a kid,” he recalled. “And I thought, Lord, thank you. This was just a real blessing to have that crew.” He was also appreciative of the risks taken by the rescue team as they navigated a precarious ledge during the operation.
The Phoenix Fire Department later shared footage of the rescue on their Facebook page, highlighting the successful operation and the importance of safety in hiking, especially given the extreme temperatures experienced during the summer months. Captain Keller emphasised that hikers should carefully consider the risks associated with trekking in such conditions, urging individuals to assess their plans thoroughly before embarking on any hikes.
While the Mummy Mountain trail remains open even during heat advisories, Keller advised, “You need to do a gut check and say, ‘Hey listen, is it really smart for me to be out on this trail when it’s 93 degrees at seven in the morning?’”
Glen Keane has had a remarkable career in animation, having started at Disney in the 1970s. He played a pivotal role during the Disney Renaissance, contributing to numerous popular animated features, including *The Rescuers Down Under*, *Aladdin*, *Pocahontas*, and *Tarzan*.
Though Keane departed from Disney in 2012, he has continued to make an impact in the world of animation. In 2018, his collaboration with the late Kobe Bryant resulted in an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film with *Dear Basketball*, a project inspired by Bryant’s own poem. More recently, he directed the Netflix film *Over the Moon*, which received an Oscar nomination in 2020.
Keane, who originally hails from Philadelphia and grew up in Paradise Valley, currently resides in Paris. His enduring legacy in the realm of animation continues to influence the industry and inspire countless fans around the globe. Despite the recent scare during his hike, he remains a figure of admiration and respect in the creative community, demonstrating resilience both on and off the screen.