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Utah Father Once Praised for Protecting His Children Now Charged with Aggravated Child Abuse and Child Torture

A Utah father who was previously praised for protecting his three children during a storm while lost on a hike now faces charges of aggravated child abuse and child torture. Authorities allege he attempted a difficult summit despite severe conditions, leaving the children cold and exhausted during a roughly 24-hour ordeal. Two children were critically injured; the 4-year-old arrived at the hospital with a body temperature of 62.6°F, required about 25 minutes of CPR and later suffered a stroke that required surgery. Investigators cite video and statements from the children; the case remains under investigation.

12:09 AM, 11/28/2025Society
Utah Father Once Praised for Protecting His Children Now Charged with Aggravated Child Abuse and Child Torture

A Utah father who was initially praised for shielding his three young children while they were lost in a storm during a hike has been charged with aggravated child abuse and one count of child torture, authorities say.

What happened

Charging documents state that 31-year-old Micah Smith and his children — an 8-year-old daughter, a 4-year-old son and a 2-year-old son — became trapped in severe weather while hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon and were found roughly 24 hours later. Two of the children were taken to hospital in critical condition; Smith was listed in fair condition and the third child was stable.

Investigators allege Smith chose to attempt a difficult summit despite the conditions and was ill-prepared, putting the children at risk. Charging papers say the children told rescuers they were "cold, tired and wanted to go home," and that when the group was found Smith "did not appear to be concerned about the children." Authorities say a video recovered from Smith's phone captures the 8-year-old asking, "Are we going to freeze to death, daddy?"

Injuries and medical treatment

Medical reports indicate the youngest child required about 25 minutes of CPR by paramedics during transport. On arrival at the hospital his body temperature was recorded at 62.6°F. He later suffered a stroke and underwent surgery that included the removal of a portion of his skull as part of life-saving treatment. The 8-year-old also told investigators she had to perform CPR on her brother during the ordeal.

Legal status and ongoing investigation

Smith is currently booked on charges of aggravated child abuse and one count of child torture. It is not yet clear whether he has entered a plea or retained counsel. Authorities also reported that, about a month before the hike, Smith had an encounter with police in which he reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts. The investigation into the decisions that exposed the family to freezing conditions is ongoing.

A previously posted fundraising page that has since been removed described Smith as having "bravely sacrificed himself" to protect the children; the new criminal allegations have prompted renewed scrutiny from the community.

Note: The account above summarizes allegations and reported medical details. Criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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