A California teenager has been recovering after hallucinating and subsequently falling off a 120-foot cliff while hiking. Zane Wach, 14, is still in a medically induced coma following the incident at Mount Whitney on June 10. His family reported that removing his breathing tube this week is a significant step in his recovery as doctors start to reduce his sedation.
“This opens the door to many new steps,” his father, Ryan Wach, shared in an update. He mentioned that Zane isn’t currently very responsive, and the main focus is on monitoring his ability to breathe, cough, and swallow on his own.
After suffering severe head injuries and breaking multiple bones—including his ankles, fingers, and pelvis—Zane was placed in a coma. He had been hiking with his father when he began to hallucinate, reportedly seeing characters like “The Snowman” and “Kermit the Frog,” which doctors believe suggests altitude sickness.
His father recounted how Zane seemed uncertain about reality, almost as if he were in a film like ‘Inception.’
Just moments after expressing doubt about whether he was dreaming, Zane walked toward the cliff’s edge and fell about 120 feet. Ryan had turned away briefly to wipe tears, and by the time he reached for Zane, it was too late.
Rescue efforts took six hours, and Zane was airlifted to a children’s hospital in Las Vegas, the nearest pediatric trauma center. Doctors later described it as quite miraculous that he didn’t sustain more severe injuries.
As of the latest updates, Zane is facing significant withdrawal symptoms as he is weaned off the strong medications he has been on for several weeks. Ryan mentioned how difficult and painful it is to watch his son go through this process.
Meanwhile, the community at Hart High School, where Zane was a swimmer and junior coach, is rallying around him. As reported by journalist Austin Dave, heartfelt cards and notes of encouragement have been made for him.
“We’re thinking about you, Zane,” said Linda Ortega, director of Hart Swim Parents. “We’re here for you, and your teammates are waiting for you to come back stronger than ever.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Zane’s family, raising over $28,000 to help with travel and accommodations as they navigate these tough times.
“Every step counts, no matter how hard it is,” noted one supporter in a Facebook comment. “I’m praying for your full recovery, Zane.”
