Altitude Sickness Makes Teen Walk Off A Cliff

Summer is here and it’s a time for families to get outdoors, but a teenager who spent some quality time with his dad nearly died when he suffered from altitude sickness. He simply walked off a cliff. What caused it? Read on to find out more.

Walking Off A Cliff

According to a report by Sfgate, 14-year-old Zayn Wach and his dad, Ryan were hiking Mount Whitney. The plan was to enjoy a father-son bonding adventure on the tall peak. Unfortunately, things took a serious turn at high altitude.

After reaching the summit, the teen began to show signs of confusion and disorientation. Later, he decided to just go home and simply walked off a cliff, and fell nearly “120 feet.”

Zayn survived the fall, but barely. He was airlifted to a hospital and placed in a “medically induced coma.” At first, doctors weren’t sure if he’d make it.

The teen had “broken an ankle, a finger and part of his pelvis.” Thankfully, his condition has since stabilized and he’s expected to make a full recovery. Nevertheless, the story is a wake-up call for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.

What Is The Sickness?

The condition, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), happens when a person travels too quickly to a higher elevation, usually above 8,000 feet. The body needs time to adjust to lower oxygen levels, and when it doesn’t, symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

In Zayn’s case, he had experience in hiking but this time it all went wrong.  After summiting Mount Whitney, he developed serious symptoms. On the way down, at the “Mount Whitney’s Trail Camp,” his dad noted that he began “acting strangely,” and it was clear that something was wrong.

According to Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Difficulty walking

Severe cases can lead to brain swelling, fluid in the lungs, and death if untreated. For teens or younger children, symptoms can escalate quickly, especially if they aren’t properly hydrated or acclimatized.

What Parents Should Know

If you’re planning a mountain vacation with your kids, it’s important to prepare. Experts recommend ascending slowly, spending at least a night or two at a moderate elevation before climbing higher. Staying hydrated, eating well, and avoiding overexertion also help.

If your child starts acting “off” at a high elevation—especially confused or clumsy—take it seriously. Descending is the best and fastest treatment. In severe cases, seek immediate medical help.

Zayn Wach’s family is now sharing his story to raise awareness. His fall could’ve been fatal, but he’s alive and recovering. Hopefully, his experience reminds others to take the possibility of getting sick seriously.

Reactions From Readers

When E! News shared their story on Instagram, many people were shocked that the teen escaped with recoverable injuries. One of them wrote, “Wow, that’s a miracle.”

Here are a few more reactions to the escape from death after suffering from his fall: 

• Tried hiking Mt. Whitney… after 12,000ft I just had to call it, and traverse down. It is so beautiful– like a dream and a gorgeous colored lake and tall pines, clean air, blue skies… But sometimes you have to know when it’s time to turn around. It’s not giving up, it’s giving yourself another chance.
• Oh my God. I cannot begin to imagine. Bless him. That’s beyond awful.
• Been to the top….when I was 19. Worst headache ever. But all around is shards of rock for hundreds of feet in all directions. Any fall and roll down that would be brutal. Best thoughts to the young man.

Did you know that altitude sickness could be potentially fatal because of hallucinations? Let us know in the comments below and come back here often for all your news about kids’ health.