This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

HIGHLAND — Since a video showing two men toppling an iconic rock formation in Goblin Valley State Park went viral, a barrage of hate mail and death threats has rained down on the Utah Boy Scout leaders.

Hundreds of online messages promising violent revenge, sent through email and social media, have come from around the world, said Highland resident Dave Hall.

"I've gotten death threats from people in Germany and Spain and New Zealand. … I mean, hundreds and hundreds of hateful messages," said Hall, who is now worried the fallout could affect his family.

In the video, Hall narrates and films while his friend Glenn Taylor pushes a large boulder from its delicate perch, sending it tumbling down a small embankment. A third man, identified as Taylor's son, watches.

The unique "goblin" formation, also known as a "hoodoo," is one of many that gives the park its name, and the two men had determined the loose rock could be dangerous.

Related Stories:

Video of men toppling rock formation could have criminal consequences Two men have come under scrutiny by the public, and possibly by prosecutors, after an online video made the rounds showing them pushing over an iconic rock formation.

"Seeing the circumstances and evaluating the safety of everybody, not just our Scout troop but everybody in the park, we had to decide: Is the safety of everyone here greater than the right for this rock to remain perched on an inch-and-a-half, razor-thin ledge of dirt and wobble?" Hall said.

Despite their assertions that they were concerned for the safety of others in the park after watching a family with small children pass below, the lighthearted attitude of the film paints a different picture for many as the men cheer and high-five.

Utah State Parks spokesman Eugene Swalberg said Thursday he found the video disturbing and has asked that possible criminal charges be considered in the case.

The Emery County Attorney's Office confirmed Friday that it has been contacted by state park representatives and will review the case once an investigation is complete. So far, no charges have been filed.

Seeing the circumstances and evaluating the safety of everybody, not just our Scout troop but everybody in the park, we had to decide: Is the safety of everyone here greater than the right for this rock to remain perched on an inch-and-a-half, razor-thin ledge of dirt and wobble? –Dave Hall

Hall and Taylor were leading a group of Scouts through Goblin Valley State Park when the incident occurred. A spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America called the act by two leaders disappointing and reprehensible.

"We teach our 2.6 million youth members and 1.1 million adult members … the principles of 'leave no trace.' These principles stress a commitment to maintaining the integrity and character of the outdoors and all living things," according to a statement from the BSA. "The isolated actions of these individuals are absolutely counter to our beliefs and what we teach."

The BSA is reviewing the matter and "will take appropriate action," the statement concludes.

Hall said he understands where the BSA is coming from and is willing to accept whatever decision the organization makes in the case.

"I don't blame the Boy Scouts one bit. I fully agree that just with the information they have in that video, I would say the same thing if I was a BSA leader," Hall said, but reiterating there was a question of safety that doesn't show up in the minute-long video.

Both men emphasized their love of scouting. In a conversation with KSL reporter Jed Boal, Taylor said he regrets his actions and agrees "there's a better way to treat the outdoors."

×

Photos

Related Stories