On the morning of February 12, Wyoming State Trooper Parker Smith responded to a serious vehicle crash, unaware that the accident involved his own family.
Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered that his wife and two children had been in the collision, with his 2-year-old son, Christian, suffering severe injuries.
The crash occurred when Smith’s wife, Aby, was driving eastbound on Highway 85 in Torrington and was struck by a Goshen County snowplow. While Aby and their older son, PJ, sustained minor injuries, Christian suffered multiple serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, jaw, and skull. He was airlifted first to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and then to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where he remains on a ventilator receiving intensive care.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association (WHPA) shared Christian’s story, asking for support from the community. Donations are being collected to assist the Smith family with medical expenses, travel costs, and other financial burdens associated with Christian’s ongoing treatment and recovery.
WHPA President Matt Arnell expressed gratitude for the public’s generosity, noting that contributions have already helped cover immediate expenses. However, given the extensive medical care and long-term therapy Christian will require, fundraising efforts will continue.
As of February 16, Christian remains in intensive care and has experienced seizures due to a stroke caused by his brain injury. Doctors have managed to reduce the seizures, but his recovery will require years of speech and physical therapy.
A recent update from the WHPA indicated that Christian briefly woke up, spoke a few words, and recognized pictures of his pets, providing a hopeful sign of progress. His father, Trooper Smith, has remained by his side throughout the ordeal.
The situation has resonated deeply with Wyoming’s law enforcement community. Trooper Smith, known for his dedication to public service, is a familiar figure in Goshen County, often volunteering at community events. Fellow officers and emergency responders have rallied around his family, recognizing the emotional toll of responding to an accident involving a loved one.
Arnell acknowledged that this type of situation is one of the greatest fears for first responders.
“This is every trooper’s nightmare, to arrive at a crash scene and discover it involves their own family,” he said. “The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, and the Smith family is extremely grateful.”
With input from Cap City News and Cowboy State Daily.
