Father Charged with Child Abuse After Hiking Incident in Utah

A father in Utah, who was once hailed as a hero for protecting his children during a desperate hiking ordeal, now faces serious charges of child abuse and torture. On October 11, 2023, Micah Smith and his three children became trapped in a storm while hiking in Cottonwood Canyon. The family was reported missing and was located the following day.

The rescue revealed a dire situation. Two of Smith’s children, aged eight, four, and two, were in critical condition, while Smith himself was in fair health. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that Smith had sustained third-degree frostbite, having allegedly put himself in harm’s way to protect his children from the harsh elements. A now-deleted GoFundMe page described his actions as a “brave sacrifice.”

Despite initial praise, the narrative quickly shifted as law enforcement began investigating the circumstances surrounding the family’s ordeal. According to charging documents obtained by local news station KSL-TV, Smith was accused of prioritizing his own ambitions over the safety of his children.

During their harrowing 24-hour ordeal, the children expressed distress, stating they were cold, tired, and wanted to return home. The documents indicated Smith was ill-prepared for the hike and acted selfishly. Witnesses noted that when authorities found the family, they were huddled behind a boulder for shelter, with minimal clothing.

The four-year-old boy was discovered unconscious and without a pulse, prompting first responders to perform CPR for an extended period. His body temperature was recorded at just 17 degrees Celsius. Tragically, he later suffered a stroke and underwent surgery to remove a section of his skull.

The eight-year-old daughter recounted to investigators that Smith had assured her they were embarking on a simple hiking trip. During the ordeal, she performed CPR on her younger brother. A video found on Smith’s phone captured her asking, “Are we going to freeze to death, daddy?”

Authorities also revealed concerning details about Smith’s mental state prior to the incident. A month before the hike, he reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts and was found in possession of firearms and an axe. He allegedly told police he was struggling and intended to hike to the mountain’s summit, denying any suicidal intentions.

In the weeks following the incident, Smith reportedly interfered with medical care for his hospitalized son, leading to further legal troubles. He was arrested and charged with domestic violence, with officials expressing concern that his behavior posed a danger not only to himself but also to his children.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Smith’s actions raise serious questions about parental responsibility and the protection of vulnerable children in extreme situations. The case continues to attract significant media attention, with updates expected as it progresses through the legal system.