Mount Shasta, California — A first-time climber’s attempt to reach the summit of Mount Shasta turned into a fight for survival after he plunged nearly 500 feet down the mountain and was left badly injured without a phone, food, water or light.
Zubayir Kazi, 24, reached the summit at around 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 after beginning his climb early that morning. He had previously scouted part of the route five days before the climb, but the conditions he encountered during the actual ascent were far more difficult than he expected.
What happened during the descent left Kazi facing one of the most terrifying experiences of his life.
Climber Suddenly Lost Control During Descent
The trouble began shortly after Kazi reached the summit. As he started making his way back down Mount Shasta, he lost his equipment and suddenly began sliding down the mountain.
“It turned out to be much worse than I expected,” Kazi told NBC Bay Area.
The situation quickly became critical as he continued falling and sliding down the steep terrain.
“Everything I had with me just goes out of my hand and I find myself flying down the mountain,” he told.
The plunge left Kazi with serious injuries while also taking away many of the supplies he would normally have needed to survive or contact rescuers.
He had no phone, no light, no food and no water. With darkness approaching and no immediate way to call for help, Kazi realized he could not simply remain where he had fallen.
“I’m Going to Die” if He Stayed
Kazi’s injuries were severe, but his biggest concern was that remaining on the mountain could cost him his life.
He decided his best option was to keep moving downhill, even though he was badly hurt.
“My mentality became very one dimensional. I don’t know what’s the optimal thing to do, but I just know that I have to go lower because if I stay here and fall asleep, I’m going to die,” Kazi said.
That decision forced him into a desperate crawl down the mountain.
Every movement was made while dealing with injuries and exhaustion, but Kazi continued because he believed reaching a lower elevation was his best chance of surviving the night.
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in San Jose, California, his family was becoming increasingly concerned.
Family Raises the Alarm as Search Begins
Kazi’s mother became worried after she could no longer reach him. She contacted his friend Abdullah, and concern grew as the hours passed without communication.
Eventually, search-and-rescue crews began looking for the missing climber. By then, Kazi had already managed to make his way to base camp.
His survival became possible when another climber discovered him there and provided food and water while rescuers were on their way. After spending hours trying to get down the mountain alone, Kazi had finally reached a location where someone could help him.
His Injuries Were Worse Than He Realized
It was only after officers reached Kazi that he fully understood the extent of the injuries he had suffered during the fall.
“When the officers came in, it was the first time I really realized how badly I was injured. They said ‘You have no skin behind your leg’,” Kazi said.
Kazi suffered significant skin and nerve damage, along with serious internal complications.
Doctors later told him that his condition could have become fatal within hours.
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His recovery is expected to take weeks, adding another difficult chapter to an ordeal that began as an attempt to climb one of California’s most recognizable mountains.
Forest Service Warns About Mount Shasta Conditions
The U.S. Forest Service says the route Kazi used is not recommended at this time of year, particularly for inexperienced climbers.
Mount Shasta’s conditions can change quickly, and terrain that appears manageable can become significantly more dangerous as weather and surface conditions change.
Kazi’s experience also highlights the risks of attempting a challenging mountain route alone, particularly when conditions are difficult and the climber is not familiar with the terrain.
The ordeal has changed the way Kazi views mountain climbing. Reflecting on what happened, he emphasized the importance of preparation and having adequate safety measures in place.
“It is very important to fully and properly account for all of the requirements and safety considerations necessary to complete a hike like this and not miss a single one — and I’d say to definitely not go alone.”
Kazi survived a fall of nearly 500 feet, crawled toward safety despite serious injuries and ultimately reached base camp before rescuers arrived.
His experience serves as a stark reminder that even experienced-looking preparations may not be enough when mountain conditions suddenly change.
Have you ever experienced a dangerous situation while hiking or climbing? Share your story in the comments and tell us what safety lesson you took away from it.
