Father facing child abuse, torture charges for taking three children on risky hike
A Utah man has been charged with child abuse and torture for taking his three young children on a challenging hike in adverse weather conditions, triggering a daring rescue operation. Micah Smith, the father in question, is facing six felony charges following an ill-fated trek up the “Broads Fork” trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill emphasized the severity of the situation, emphasizing that this hike was particularly strenuous, not suitable for children. When Smith and his three children, aged two, four, and eight, embarked on their hike on October 11, they did not anticipate the unpredictable weather conditions they would encounter. Trapped in a snowstorm several thousand feet up the mountain, they sought shelter under a rock, forcing Salt Lake County Sheriff’s search and rescue team to come to their aid on October 12.
The rescue team encountered Smith, who was reportedly behaving strangely, claiming that one of his children had perished. Tragically, two of the younger children had sustained head injuries, with one child ceasing to breathe. The eight-year-old girl recounted how her father pushed them to continue despite her fears, coaching her on CPR to revive her brother. The night took a turn for the worse as conditions deteriorated, instilling fear and concern in the children.
Smith’s wife tried desperately to persuade him to bring the children to safety before darkness fell, expressing concern about their safety. The children, ill-prepared for the harsh elements, were underdressed for the frigid temperatures. A harrowing video captured on Smith’s phone revealed one child asking if they were going to freeze to death, capturing the gravity of the situation.
The four-year-old child, still hospitalized, arrived with a dangerously low body temperature of 62.6 degrees, requiring emergency surgery to address a stroke. The psychological and emotional toll on the children was equally concerning, prompting Child Protective Services to intervene and ensure they received appropriate medical attention.
The gravity of the allegations against Smith is undeniable, as the authorities have charged him with three counts of child torture and three counts of abuse. The treacherous conditions of the hike, marked by slippery rocks and precarious terrain, only compounded the children’s fear and trauma. Smith’s subsequent arrest for domestic violence further underscores the gravity of the situation.
In the aftermath of this harrowing ordeal, Smith was arrested and detained without bail, while the children are receiving the necessary medical care and support. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring children’s safety and well-being, especially in challenging outdoor environments.