father Accused of endangering Children on Extreme Hike; 4-Year-Old Son Suffers Stroke
UTAH – A utah father is in custody after he and his three young children were found severely hypothermic and in critical condition following an ill-fated hike near the summit of a mountain. The incident, which occurred in November, has revealed a pattern of concerning behavior from the father, Micah Smith, and prompted accusations of reckless endangerment.
Smith and his children – ages two, four, and an unspecified older age - were reported missing after failing to return from their hike. Rescuers located them approximately 600 meters below the summit, sheltered behind a boulder and branches. The two youngest children were unconscious and not breathing, requiring immediate medical intervention. A four-year-old boy suffered a stroke and underwent emergency surgery, including the removal of a portion of his skull. Upon admission to the hospital, his body temperature registered a dangerously low 17°C.
Prosecutors allege Smith continued the hike despite recognizing his children were “exhausted” and aware of approaching inclement weather. According to authorities, when his daughter asked to turn back, Smith reportedly told her, “This is a onc in a lifetime experiance.”
This incident is not isolated. Just a month prior, Smith was stopped by police with firearms and an ax, expressing suicidal thoughts and a desire to climb a mountain. He was also later accused of unauthorized entry into a children’s hospital, allegedly interfering with his four-year-old son’s medical treatment. Prosecutors have described Smith’s behavior as “rapidly descending” and a danger to his children and himself. He was taken into custody on November 25th.
