Phong Le set out for Father Dyer Peak along the ridge of Mount Helen in Breckenridge. While he paused on a boulder to check his map, the rock unexpectedly gave way. As he tumbled down the slope, his knitted cap slipped over his eyes, leaving him effectively blindfolded.
During the fall, Le slammed into multiple rocks. Although he struggled to stay aware, he felt a sharp hit to his lower back and noticed exposed skin being cut by jagged stones. At first, he believed he would not survive. However, a few moments later, he realized he might have a chance -- though he expected serious injuries.
Once he came to a stop, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on his wrist activated Fall Detection. Because the device began counting down to call emergency services, Le managed, despite intense pain in both wrists, to tap the button and confirm the call. The alert transferred to his iPhone, which miraculously survived the fall as well.
Le spoke with a dispatcher for nearly an hour. During that time, he received instructions to carefully move to safer ground. After about three hours, Summit County Search and Rescue reached him and brought him to safety.
Le escaped with lacerations on his arms and legs, two sprained wrists, and a bruised back -- but he suffered no broken bones. He later said he wasn't sure whether the Apple Watch directly saved his life; however, he felt certain that the quick emergency response "certainly aided the situation."