Montana 'Miracle' Baby Reportedly Abandoned For Being Fat

LOLO HOT SPRINGS, MT — The "miracle" baby found buried under a pile of sticks and debris in the Montana woods was reportedly abandoned because he was heavy.

The 5-month-old baby was found in a soaked and soiled onesie early Sunday near Lolo Hot Springs. A Missoula County deputy managed to hear the baby's faint cries after a six-hour search.

Charging documents obtained by The Associated Press say Francis Carlton Crowley, 32, of Portland, Oregon, crashed his car with the baby on Saturday. When authorities finally found him Saturday night, he appeared disoriented — likely from drug use — and couldn't help find the child or even say when the crash happened.

“Officers continued to search in the various areas where the defendant stated the baby was located, but they had difficulty given the defendant’s numerous inconsistent statements about the baby’s whereabouts,” court records said.

Crowley at one point said the baby was lying on the side of a road. He also said the child died and had been buried in the woods.

A trail of items, including baby formula and a diaper bag, lead deputies from the crash site to the baby around 2:30 a.m. He was face down.

Authorities said the baby was alone in the cold woods — it was just 46 degrees — for at least nine hours.

Along the way to a hospital, the baby coughed up small sticks, charging documents alleged. He was treated for dehydration, malnourishment, scratches, cuts and bruises. He is now in the custody of the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

"For all of us at the sheriffs office, this is what we call a miracle," the office said. "For the officers who were present for this event, its especially hard knowing what this small baby endured in the last 24 hours. Sheriff McDermott would like to thank those who assisted in the search and those who called 911, helping first responders bring this baby to safety."

Crowley has been charged with assault on a minor and criminal endangerment. AP said he admitted to using bath salts and was jailed.

Photo credit: Missoula County Jail