EMT Runs More Than a Mile Up Mountain Carrying Blood to Save Injured Father Who Fell While Climbing with His Son

An emergency medical technician in North Carolina is being praised after running through rugged mountain terrain with a supply of blood to help save a critically injured climber who had fallen while climbing with his son.

Will Soper, 28, covered approximately 1.5 miles and climbed 1,000 feet in elevation to deliver the urgently needed blood to rescuers treating Jacob Gregory on Shortoff Mountain.

His extraordinary effort became a crucial part of a complex rescue operation involving multiple emergency teams.

A Father and Son’s Climbing Trip Turns Into an Emergency

The accident occurred on August 30, 2026, while Gregory was climbing with his son on Shortoff Mountain in North Carolina.

According to Burke Rescue, Gregory was attempting to place climbing equipment approximately 40 feet above a ledge when he fell between 15 and 20 feet, striking a nearby rock pillar.

His son managed to lower him safely and provide first aid while emergency services were contacted.

The impact caused serious injuries, including damage to Gregory’s spinal cord.

An Urgent Call for Blood on the Mountain

Soper, an experienced climber and emergency medical technician, was teaching a class when he received a notification about the accident.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, he immediately left and drove approximately two hours toward the mountain.

By the time he arrived, the rescue operation was already underway.

While approaching the rescue site, Soper received another urgent instruction: the injured climber needed blood, and someone had to transport it up the mountain.

A Desperate Run Through Rugged Terrain

With time becoming increasingly important, Soper began running through the gorge carrying the blood supply.

The route stretched approximately 1.5 miles and involved an elevation gain of around 1,000 feet.

Despite the physically demanding terrain, he continued pushing toward the rescue team.

He completed the journey in just over 30 minutes, successfully delivering the blood to medical personnel treating Gregory.

The injured climber subsequently received a blood transfusion as part of the emergency response.

A Family Receives Encouraging News

Following the rescue, Gregory began a difficult recovery from his spinal cord injury.

Nearly a month after the accident, his family reported that he had started regaining sensation in both legs, along with some movement in his right leg.

His rehabilitation included physical therapy, occupational therapy and exercises designed to improve strength and independence.

Although his recovery remained ongoing, the progress represented encouraging news for his loved ones.

One Rescue, Many Extraordinary Efforts

While Soper’s mountain run attracted attention, he emphasized that the successful rescue was the result of many people working together.

Gregory’s son provided immediate assistance after the fall, while rescue personnel coordinated the challenging mountain evacuation and emergency medical treatment.

The incident highlights the dedication of volunteer rescue teams and the importance of specialized medical assistance in remote environments.

For one injured father, a coordinated response and a rescuer willing to push himself through difficult terrain helped make a life-changing difference.

Source: PEOPLE, “EMT Runs 1,000 Feet Up Mountain and Arrives ‘Right on Time’ to Help Save Injured Climber’s Life,” by Desiree Anello, October 12, 2026. Additional information from Burke Rescue Inc.