A 32-year-old nurse encountered a rare mishap while ascending the highest peak in Montana alongside two companions. The excursion took a terrifying turn for David Cifaldi when he slipped on the rocky surface and landed on his hiking pole.

Embarking on their journey up Granite Peak on July 20, Cifaldi and his friends faced unexpected challenges. Recounting the incident to KTMF, Cifaldi described it as an unusual accident, more akin to a twisted ankle than a severe injury.

Despite his precarious situation, Cifaldi opted for self-rescue rather than waiting for help, trekking back 10 miles to the trailhead with the pole still impaled in his body. He ingeniously fashioned his running vest’s chest strap into a makeshift sling, with a friend monitoring any bleeding as they navigated the rugged descent, a grueling journey lasting six-and-a-half hours.

The trekking pole had pierced Cifaldi’s side, penetrating his lat muscle and protruding from both ends, approximately eight inches apart. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by a friend, detailed the harrowing experience.

Upon reaching the trailhead, Cifaldi was transported to a hospital where medical professionals successfully removed the pole without complications. Jesse Ross, one of Cifaldi’s hiking companions, set up the GoFundMe page to assist with Cifaldi’s medical expenses.

Ross shared the details of their hike, which included traversing Mystic Lake, the Froze to Death Plateau, and rugged alpine terrain towards Tempest Peak. Describing the fateful fall, Ross explained how a simple misstep at 11,800 feet resulted in the pole penetrating Cifaldi’s lat.

From the fall to the pole’s removal, only about 8-9 hours had elapsed. Cifaldi is currently under medical care, facing substantial healthcare costs. Donations to support his recovery can be made through the GoFundMe page.

For those willing to contribute, the GoFundMe link can be accessed here.