Alaskan Teen Suffers Broken Back in Snowmobile Accident

15-year-old Ryan Wheat recovering after falling over 30-foot ledge on his snowmobile

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:55am

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A 15-year-old Alaskan teen named Ryan Wheat suffered a broken back in four places after his snowmobile hit a stump and went over a 30-foot ledge, launching him 15 feet into the air and causing him to fall around 35-40 feet. Wheat was airlifted to a hospital in Anchorage and underwent surgery to have 14 screws and two rods inserted into his back. He is currently recovering in the hospital, though his parents say he has a long road ahead.

Why it matters

Snowmobile accidents are a common occurrence in Alaska, where the vehicles are a popular mode of transportation, especially in remote areas. This incident highlights the risks and dangers associated with snowmobiling and the importance of safety precautions, as well as the need for proper medical care and support for those who are injured in such accidents.

The details

According to reports, on January 20th, Ryan Wheat was riding a snowmobile with his father and a friend when he hit a stump, causing the vehicle to launch over a 30-foot ledge. Wheat said the impact 'launched me about 15 feet up over the hill and I fell about 35, 40 feet.' As a result, Wheat broke his back in four places and had to be airlifted to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. He underwent surgery to have 14 screws and two rods inserted into his back and is currently recovering in the hospital, though his parents say he has a 'pretty long road to recovery'.

  • On January 20th, Wheat was involved in the snowmobile accident.
  • Wheat waited three hours before being rescued and airlifted to the hospital.
  • Wheat underwent surgery on an unspecified date to have 14 screws and two rods inserted into his back.
  • As of January 26th, Wheat had the drainage tube removed from his back and was starting to be 'himself again and making jokes'.

The players

Ryan Wheat

A 15-year-old Alaskan teen who suffered a broken back in four places after his snowmobile went over a 30-foot ledge.

Mike Wheat

Ryan Wheat's father, who was riding a snowmobile with his son when the accident occurred.

Amber Wheat

Ryan Wheat's mother, who rushed to the hospital after receiving the call about her son's accident.

Nancy Beratto

Ryan Wheat's aunt, who set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his medical and rehabilitation costs.

Providence Alaska Medical Center

The hospital in Anchorage, Alaska where Ryan Wheat was airlifted and underwent surgery.

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What they’re saying

“It launched me about 15 feet up over the hill and I fell about 35, 40 feet.”

— Ryan Wheat

“I was in front and looked back and I just kind of saw him stump and fall off the edge of the machine. I was just hoping he kind of had the air knocked out of him. I probably gave it about 10 minutes and realized it was a little more severe.”

— Mike Wheat, Ryan Wheat's father

“When I got the phone call, it was one of those phone calls that no mom ever wants to get. I called my friend to run me up to Anchorage and dropped everything I was doing...”

— Amber Wheat, Ryan Wheat's mother

What’s next

Ryan Wheat's parents say he has a 'pretty long road to recovery' ahead, though he has shown some progress since his surgery. The judge will decide on an unspecified date whether to allow Ryan to be released from the hospital.

The takeaway

This tragic snowmobile accident in Alaska serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with the popular winter activity, and the importance of safety precautions and proper medical care for those injured in such incidents. The community has rallied around the Wheat family to help cover the substantial costs of Ryan's recovery.