Michael Collins

Bellevue, WA

Michael Collins is a long-time hiker turned “peak bagger” — a year-round climber determined to conquer one peak after another. But that quest nearly cost him his life in July 2003. After climbing Mt. Logan and another peak with two friends, he and one climbing partner decided to tackle a third. As he struggled up the peak, he leaned on a large rock that suddenly started to slide. His friend then saw Michael and the rock cartwheel down the mountain 30 to 50 feet, in what he was sure was a fatal fall. Michael survived, but he suffered two broken legs, multiple rib fractures, extensive facial and skull fractures, and brain injury. Michael’s friend summoned help from a well-equipped group from The Mountaineers, and his other friend hiked out 11 miles to call 911. Search and rescue coordinator, Ranger Kelly Bush, and volunteer Dr. Don Slack arrived by helicopter the next morning to mount a short-haul rescue, bringing Michael to an awaiting Airlift Northwest helicopter. Following surgery at Harborview, Michael recuperated at home for six months before returning to work as an oncology nurse. He’s back on the trails too, bagging peak after peak.

National Park Service (Marblemount, WA) to Harborview Medical Center

(More patient and partner stories here)