Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Oscar Animator Glen Keane Rescued by Helicopter in Arizona Heat

7/31/2026

32 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Oscar-winning animator Glen Keane, 72, was airlifted by a Phoenix Fire Department Firebird 10 helicopter after he became dizzy on Mummy Mountain near Paradise Valley, Arizona, on Wednesday.
Firefighters roped him on a narrow ridge and hoisted him to the base.
Paramedics found no need for further treatment and Keane refused hospital transport.
Captain Todd Keller warned hikers that extreme heat endangers both them and first responders.

History

Historical Context

In July 1996 a Royal Air Force Chinook rescued two climbers on Annapurna, a mission that cost £250,000 and involved 12 crew members. It echoed the 1996 Everest disaster, when Nepali pilot Colonel Madan Khatri Chhetri made the world’s highest helicopter landing to evacuate frost-bitten climbers Beck Weathers and Makalu Gao. Both events highlight the rising reliance on costly high-altitude helicopter rescues.

1 of 2

Story summary

Oscar-winning animator Glen Keane, 72, was airlifted by a Phoenix Fire Department Firebird 10 helicopter after he became dizzy on Mummy Mountain near Paradise Valley, Arizona, on Wednesday.
Firefighters roped him on a narrow ridge and hoisted him to the base.
Paramedics found no need for further treatment and Keane refused hospital transport.
Captain Todd Keller warned hikers that extreme heat endangers both them and first responders.

1 / 2