Zubayir Kazi, 24, was seriously injured after losing control during the descent from Mount Shasta in Northern California, falling about 500 feet. The accident highlights the dangers of attempting a difficult mountain climb alone, particularly in poor seasonal conditions, even when a climber feels prepared.

Kazi reached the 14,179-foot summit on 10 September but lost his food, water, phone and light during the fall. Despite leg injuries and severe skin and nerve damage, he dragged himself to base camp, where another climber gave him supplies until rescuers arrived; doctors said he might have died within hours without help. He is expected to need weeks to recover, while officials advise against climbing Mount Shasta at that time of year, especially for inexperienced climbers.