US: 13-Year-Old Escapes Death After 100 Feet Fall At Grand Canyon

In a serious turn of events at the iconic Grand Canyon in Arizona, a 13-year-old boy defied all odds and survived a nearly 100ft (30m) fall from the North Rim. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, left young Wyatt Kauffman with serious injuries, but his survival is being hailed as nothing short of a miracle.

Wyatt's terrifying ordeal unfolded as he slipped and plummeted from a ledge at the North Rim, a popular tourist spot within the Grand Canyon. 

The subsequent rescue operation was a race against time, with dedicated crews working relentlessly for two hours to bring Wyatt to safety. The courage and skill of the rescue teams came to the forefront as they utilised their expertise to retrieve the injured teen from the treacherous terrain. 

Rappelling down a cliff, the team from Grand Canyon National Park exhibited immense determination, as a helicopter rescue was deemed unfeasible given the challenging landscape.

The Grave but Hopeful Aftermath

Wyatt's injuries were grave, including nine fractured vertebrae, a ruptured spleen, a broken hand, and a collapsed lung. 

He was flown to a local hospital where he underwent critical medical treatment. Despite the extent of his injuries, Wyatt's spirit remained unbroken. In a candid interview with Phoenix television station KPNX, he recounted the harrowing moment he lost his grip while moving aside for others to take photographs.

"After the fall, I don't remember anything after that," Wyatt shared. "I just remember somewhat waking up and being in the back of an ambulance and a helicopter and getting on a plane and getting here."

The young survivor's family expressed deep gratitude for the efforts of the rescue teams that worked tirelessly to bring Wyatt back to them. His father, Brian Kauffman, who was in North Dakota when the accident occurred, voiced his relief, saying, "We're just lucky we're bringing our kid home in a car in the front seat instead of in a box."

The incident united the Kauffman family, who had been visiting the Grand Canyon together. They are now planning a road trip back home, hoping to create new memories that will replace the traumatic experience with positive ones.

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