Glen Keane, the renowned Disney animator behind classics like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, recently expressed his gratitude to the Phoenix and Tempe firefighters who rescued him during a hiking accident. Keane, 72, was hiking with his family when he fell ill and became stranded on Mummy Mountain near Tatum Boulevard and Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley.
The experience, he said, was "humbling" and a testament to the importance of seeking help when needed. Keane vividly recalled the moment he realized he required assistance, watching from the ridge as the fire trucks arrived, sirens blaring, and the firefighters climbed up to reach him.
He praised their agility on the steep terrain, noting their confidence and skill in navigating the challenging environment. Despite his own struggles with the terrain, Keane humorously acknowledged that the firefighters were "zipping around like they’re mountain goats."
As a token of his appreciation, Keane presented the fire station with an original illustration of his rescuers airlifting him off the mountain. This gesture is fitting, considering his illustrious career in animation, which includes an Oscar for Best Animated Short in 2018 for Dear Basketball and a legacy as the son of the famous cartoonist Bill Keane, known for The Family Circus.
Keane's close call serves as a reminder to hikers to be prepared and aware of changing conditions. He advised, "Make sure you know that you are in safe territory and don’t count on it being the same way you saw it when you were a little kid. Things change."
This heartwarming story highlights the crucial role of emergency services and the importance of mutual aid in challenging situations. It also underscores the power of personal gratitude and the impact of small gestures in expressing appreciation.
