The family of a 31-year-old Utah man who survived alongside his three young children after becoming lost during a hike says the father “bravely sacrificed himself” to shield his kids from the harsh conditions.
On October 11, the father, identified on GoFundMe as Micah Smith, went hiking with his children — a 2-year-old boy, a 4-year-old boy, and an 8-year-old girl — in the Broads Fork Trail area of Big Cottonwood Canyon, according to a news release from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The group was reported missing later that day, and their vehicle was found in the Broads Fork parking lot, authorities said.
Rescuers began searching the area and located Micah and his children the next morning, October 12. All four were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment.
At the time, two of the children were listed in critical condition, one was stable, and Micah was in fair condition, according to the sheriff’s office.
Micah’s brother, Zach Smith, wrote on GoFundMe that the family was caught in a sudden storm while hiking in the Wasatch Mountains.
“The storm blew in as they were on the peak of Twin Peaks,” Zach wrote. “Micah bravely sacrificed himself to protect his three kids on the mountain in freezing temperatures. Thankfully, search and rescue found them early the next day.”
Zach said Micah suffered severe third-degree frostbite, and all three children were hospitalized. His son Ezra is currently “being kept alive by a heart and lung bypass machine.”
Zach described Micah as a devoted father who loves taking his kids on outdoor adventures.
In an update shared Wednesday, October 15, Zach said that Micah’s two younger sons are showing improvement, although Ezra remains in intensive care.
“We’re praying hard for complete healing for him,” Zach wrote. “We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage to his little body, but there are concerns about neurological effects.”
He also shared that Micah was able to walk briefly and see his sons. “He’s tough and refuses to let his injuries keep him from his children,” Zach added. “We’re hopeful for a full recovery, but it’s still too early to tell.”
Meanwhile, Micah’s 8-year-old daughter has been discharged from the hospital, according to the sheriff’s office, as reported by Fox affiliate KSTU.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation remains ongoing.
In a statement to ABC affiliate KTVX, Micah’s family said they are “grieving” and requested privacy during this “profoundly difficult time.”
“We appreciate the outpouring of concern from the community,” the family said. “Our hearts are broken by what has happened. Our focus now is on ensuring that Micah, Samantha, and their children receive the support and love they need to heal. The kids are continuing to recover, and your prayers are deeply appreciated.”
They also extended their gratitude to search and rescue teams, emergency responders, and the medical staff caring for the family.
“We’re equally thankful for the community’s expressions of sympathy and support during this difficult time,” the statement read.
