Ithaca firefighter paralyzed after fall, family raising funds for medical expenses
ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY)--An Ithaca firefighter who fell 25 feet from a tree stand and landed on his back is hospitalized with severe spinal injuries.
Zach Weber is a thirty-year-old firefighter and EMT for the city of Ithaca Fire Department.
He's also worked for the Tompkins County Sheriff's office as a deputy sheriff. In his free time, he is a physical training instructor for the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls, training recruits. He is also an avid hunter and fisherman.
The President of the Fire Association of Ithaca says on Wednesday, November 9th while coming down from his tree stand he lost his balance and fell, suffering a severe spinal cord injury.
His family is working to get him into one of the top spinal cord rehabilitation centers in the country in hopes he will regain his mobility.
"He lost his balance causing him to fall 25 feet from the top landing on his back. Zach's girlfriend who is an E-R nurse was home and when he didn't return home she set out looking for him. Zach was swiftly airlifted to Upstate Medical University where he is being treated for a spinal cord injury currently rendering him in a quadriplegic state. His prognosis is being guarded," said Kevin Koehler, President of, Ithaca Professional Firefighters Association.
Koehler added Weber is remaining positive. With the scary and lengthy unknown road to recovery ahead and medical bills piling Weber's family is accepting donations through a spot fund page. To donate click here.
The family would also like to spread hunter awareness and encourage people to wear a harness.