Oscar-winning animator Glen Keane, celebrated for his work on beloved Disney classics, was airlifted from Mummy Mountain in Arizona on Wednesday after experiencing a sudden medical emergency during a hike. The 72-year-old animator, known for bringing characters like Aladdin, the Beast, and Ariel to life, was hiking with his grandchildren when he realized he needed assistance.
Sudden Illness on Mummy Mountain
Keane recounted to local news outlets that the situation became critical as he navigated a narrowing path on Mummy Mountain. Experiencing difficulties that required immediate attention, he called for help. A helicopter was dispatched to the mountain’s summit, where technical rescue teams executed a hoist operation to safely extract him.
Phoenix Fire Department crews were responsible for the complex rescue. Captain Todd Keller of the Phoenix Fire Department informed AZFamily that the initial reports came in around 8 a.m. regarding a hiker experiencing dizziness. The rescue involved hoisting Keane with a rope and transporting him to a secure landing zone.
A ‘Blessing’ Amidst Danger
During the aerial extraction, Keane shared that he looked down upon the familiar terrain of his childhood, reflecting on his upbringing in Arizona. He expressed profound gratitude, describing the rescue as a “real blessing” and acknowledging the bravery of the firefighters. “They were really risking their own lives on the edge of that narrow little ledge,” Keane told 12 News, emphasizing the precarious nature of the operation. “It was very much just like a razor’s edge up there.”
The animator, who won an Academy Award in 2018 for Best Animated Short Film for “Dear Basketball” – a project he collaborated on with the late Kobe Bryant – stated he felt “blessed” to have been rescued by the skilled team amid the dangerous circumstances.
Safety Warnings for Hikers
Captain Keller used the incident to issue a crucial reminder to hikers about exercising caution, particularly in hot weather. He urged individuals to assess the conditions and their own physical readiness before embarking on a hike. “You need to do a gut check and say, ‘Hey listen, is it really smart for me to be out on this trail when it’s 93 degrees at seven in the morning?'” Keller stated.
He highlighted that venturing out in extreme heat not only endangers the hiker but also puts first responders and firefighters at significant risk. Keller also pointed out the rapid temperature fluctuations common in the Arizona climate, advising hikers to consider potential temperature increases of 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more within a short period.
A New Perspective
Following the rescue, fire officials reported that Keane declined further medical treatment. However, the experience left him with a renewed perspective on safety and the changing environment.
Speaking to AZFamily, Keane offered advice to others, particularly those with families. “If you’re bringing up your family, make sure you know that you are in safe territory and don’t count on it being the same way you saw it when you were a little kid,” he advised. “Things change.”
Phoenix Fire Department’s Training
The Phoenix Fire Department shared a video of the daring rescue on their Facebook page, commending their Technical Rescue Teams for safely extracting the hiker from the summit of Mummy Mountain. The department emphasized that such “complex technical hoist operations” are a testament to the rigorous training their members undergo.
A statement from the department noted that despite the extreme temperatures and challenging terrain, the patient was safely removed from a perilous position. They concluded with a reminder: “Remember: take a hike, do it right.”
Keane’s career spans decades, with his distinctive animation style shaping some of the most memorable characters in cinematic history. His work on films like “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Little Mermaid” has earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated following.
