Salt Lake City, UT – A father is facing serious legal consequences after leading his three young children on a dangerous hike in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains last month. Micah Smith, 31, is charged with multiple counts of child torture and aggravated child abuse, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident occurred in early October when Smith took his children, ages 2, 4, and 8, on the Broads Fork Trail, a hike rated “hard” within the hiking community. The trail is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 12 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.
Disregarding the conditions and safety warnings, Smith continued the hike despite requests from his wife and children to turn back. The situation escalated when inclement weather, including rain and snow, set in, leaving the family stranded for the night.
The family began their trek around 10 a.m. on October 11, with Smith initially describing the hike as either nine miles or a nine-hour journey. Smith prepared by providing snacks and beverages but failed to provide adequate support for the grueling conditions they faced.
Within a short time, the children expressed fatigue and discomfort. Smith’s daughter reported that the snacks were quickly consumed and that they struggled with difficult terrain that required climbing.
As the weather worsened, Smith’s daughter voiced her fear and suggested they leave, but Smith allegedly dismissed her concerns, saying it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.
By nightfall, the family attempted to descend the mountain, but it was too late as the snow and hail intensified. They sought shelter around 8 p.m., where the children reportedly experienced severe cold and distress.
The 8-year-old later recounted the freezing conditions and described an effort to keep her younger siblings warm. Police reports indicate that one child fell and became unresponsive, while the other required constant monitoring throughout the night.
When a Search and Rescue team located Smith the following day, he exhibited unusual behavior and made alarming statements about his children’s condition. Despite fears for their lives, all three children were found alive, one in critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Investigators discovered alarming communications on Smith’s phone indicating awareness of the children’s deteriorating state. The situation raises serious questions about Smith’s judgment and responsibility as a parent.
