Men may face felony charges after toppling Goblin Valley formation Ancient formation » 3 Scout leaders claim they worried the rock would fall and hurt someone. By Janelle Stecklein and Jim Dalrymple II
The Salt Lake Tribune
First Published Oct 17 2013 02:54 pm • Updated 3 hours ago
A group of Boy Scout leaders is potentially facing felony charges for destroying a rock formation millions of years old in Emery County.
The trio of men was adventuring in Goblin Valley State Park when they decided to film themselves knocking over one of the formations, known as "goblins."
They said later it appeared to them that it was ready to fall and might hurt someone.
In the video, posted on Facebook, one man can be seen leveraging himself against a nearby rock and pushing a formation over.
"Some little kid was about ready to walk down here and die and Glenn saved his life by getting the boulder out of the way," the cameraman is heard saying. "So it’s all about saving lives here at Goblin Valley."
After the rock falls, the three men laugh, cheer and high five each other.
Utah State Parks officials Thursday were not so amused.
"It is not only wrong, but there will be consequences," said spokesman Eugene Swalberg, noting that a criminal investigation is underway by State Parks authorities.
"This is highly, highly inappropriate," he said. "This is not what you do at state parks. It’s disturbing and upsetting."
Swalberg said it’s rare for tourists to destroy natural formations.
