Kauffman suffered multiple injuries in the fall, including nine broken vertebrae, a ruptured spleen, a collapsed lung, a concussion, and a broken hand with a dislocated finger. The teenager was airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas for treatment, where he described his experience. "I was up on the ledge and was moving out of the way so other people could take a picture," Kauffman said. "I squatted down and was holding onto a rock. I only had one hand on it. It wasn't that good of a grip. It was kind of pushing me back. I lost my grip and started to fall back."

Rescue crews had to rappel down the cliff to reach Kauffman and bring him back up to safety. Brian Kauffman, Wyatt's father, expressed his gratitude for the rescue team's efforts. "We're extremely grateful for the work of everyone. Two hours is an eternity in a situation like that," he said. Brian explained that Wyatt and his mother were on a trip to visit national parks when the accident occurred. Wyatt was discharged from the hospital over the weekend and was being driven back home to Casselton, North Dakota.

Reflecting on the incident, Brian emphasized their luck in bringing Wyatt home alive. "We're just lucky we're bringing our kid home in a car in the front seat instead of in a box," he said. Despite the severity of his injuries, Wyatt remained optimistic and focused on his recovery. The brave teenager's journey from a terrifying fall to surviving and returning home serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions while enjoying natural attractions like the Grand Canyon.