A 31-year-old Utah father who was hailed as a hero for protecting his three young children on a winter hike last month is now facing child abuse and torture charges.
Smith was later described on a now-defunct GoFundMe page as having “bravely sacrificed himself” to protect his children, People reported.
Now, he is facing multiple charges of aggravated child abuse and child torture, and is being held without bail, Salt Lake County jail records show.
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According to charging documents, Smith told police that his two-year-old son fell and hit his head and appeared “dazed.”.
He also allegedly told police he was “comfortable hiking in the dark without light,” despite his children saying they were frightened.
The hike is known for being challenging, and is not recommended for children or beginners. »