Dad Defends Climbing El Capitan With 7-Year-Old Son Amid Child Abuse Claims

A Colorado father, Joe Evermore, has responded to criticism and a Child Protective Services investigation after taking his seven-year-old son, Joey Danger, on a climb up Yosemite National Park's El Capitan. Evermore, 44, who is known for sharing his family's climbing expeditions online, claimed that his son became the youngest person to scale the 3,000-foot granite cliff.

Following the announcement of the climb, Evermore told People that numerous commenters expressed outrage, leading to multiple complaints filed with Child Protective Services against him and his wife, Ann. The agency reportedly reviewed the complaints but declined to pursue them further.

Evermore defended his parenting decisions, stating that he believes the benefits of challenging his children far outweigh the risks. "There are people that think, 'Hey, your kids would be better put in a foster system or put in front of a television,' rather than training daily for an epic mission," he said. He emphasized that he and his team meticulously mitigate risks through preparation and skill, noting that his son was secured to the wall during the climb. "Somebody just sees it, and they're terrified and comment, 'This is obviously too dangerous.' I admit that there are risks, but I think the benefits far outweigh the risks."

Evermore's other sons—Sam Adventure, 12, Sylvan Lightyear, nine, and Blaze Wilder, one—have also participated in climbing adventures with their father since they were toddlers. Joey Danger's ascent of El Capitan surpassed his older brother Sylvan's previous record, set when Sylvan was nine.

In a social media post, Evermore questioned the criticism, asking, "Not everyone is a fan of our El Capitan ascent. Some people have even suggested that our parenting deserved a CPS investigation." He added, "It is hard to understand how anyone could believe Joey Danger would be better off separated from the parents who love him, train beside him, protect him, and are intentionally forming him into a strong and capable young man."

The family plans to continue their adventurous challenges, with each son annually undertaking a difficult and remarkable, yet safe, endeavor designed to push their boundaries. Evermore also indicated that his family is expecting their fifth child, a girl, who will also be included in their climbing expeditions.

He suggested that many of his critics lack a deep understanding of climbing nuances and that the family's commitment to their adventurous lifestyle will persist despite the backlash. "You do not have to agree with every decision we make, but this raises an important question: What does healthy challenge look like for children, and who should decide? We are glad to inspire such an important online discussion," Evermore stated.