Particle.news

Download on the App Store

14-Year-Old Hiker Extubated After 120-Foot Fall on Mount Whitney

Ventilator removal signals the start of his emergence from sedation toward a lengthy rehabilitation underpinned by community fundraising.

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Zane Wach has remained in a medically induced coma at Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas since his June 10 fall during a Mount Whitney descent
  • Doctors have extubated him, enabling sedation weaning to monitor his neurological response and manage withdrawal symptoms
  • He suffered head trauma along with fractures to his ankle, finger and pelvis, and faces a multidisciplinary rehabilitation plan
  • An on-trail EMT provided first aid before Inyo County Search & Rescue teams reached him six hours later and arranged an airlift to hospital
  • A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $23,000 to help cover Zane’s medical, travel and lodging expenses during his recovery