Elizabeth Smart: Height, Net Worth, Age, and Story

Elizabeth Smart is a name that is recognized around the world, synonymous with courage, survival, and resilience. As a child, her life was drastically altered when she was abducted from her home, and her story became one of the most high-profile kidnapping cases in modern history. After being found and eventually recovered, Elizabeth transformed her life and became a prominent advocate for missing children, victims of abduction, and those impacted by trauma. This article will explore Elizabeth Smart’s background, her height, net worth, age, and delve into her incredible story of survival and resilience.

Early Life and Background of Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Ann Smart was born on November 3, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ed and Lois Smart. She was raised in a loving family with five siblings, and from an early age, Elizabeth demonstrated intelligence, confidence, and an easy-going personality. Her family was well-established in the Salt Lake City area, and they were a strong part of the community, which made her eventual abduction all the more shocking and devastating for those around her.

Her upbringing was relatively typical, and she was raised in the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Elizabeth enjoyed a normal childhood, participating in activities like singing, dancing, and playing the violin. Her family was supportive, and she grew up in a secure environment. However, in 2002, at the age of 14, her life would be forever changed.

The Abduction: A Life-Altering Event

On June 5, 2002, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City. She was taken by Brian David Mitchell, a self-styled preacher, and his wife, Wanda Barzee. The couple had planned the abduction for months, and Elizabeth was chosen because she was an easy target—she was a young girl who appeared vulnerable, and they believed that she would not be able to escape.

Mitchell and Barzee entered the Smart home while the family slept. Elizabeth’s abduction was particularly shocking because she had been taken in the middle of the night, while her younger sister was in the same room, but was unaware of the unfolding events. Mitchell and Barzee kept Elizabeth in a secluded location, far from the public eye. They kept her in captivity for a shocking nine months.

During her captivity, Elizabeth endured severe physical and psychological abuse. She was threatened with death, chained up, and was forced to perform unimaginable acts. Despite her traumatic situation, Elizabeth demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage. She never gave up hope of being found and was determined to stay alive. One of the most remarkable aspects of her story was how she continued to keep her wits about her, even in the face of such harrowing conditions.

The Rescue: A Turning Point

Elizabeth’s case gained widespread media attention, and the entire nation followed her disappearance closely. The search for her became a national effort, but for several months, there was no trace of the young girl.

In March 2003, after being held captive for nine months, Elizabeth was recognized by two passersby in Sandy, Utah, when she was out in public with Mitchell and Barzee. Elizabeth had been forced to dress in a manner that disguised her identity, and her abductors kept her under close supervision. Despite this, Elizabeth was able to bravely approach the two women and give them a clue to her identity. The women immediately contacted the authorities, and Elizabeth was safely recovered by the police.

Her rescue marked the end of a traumatic chapter in her life, but it also began a new journey. The media and the public were relieved to see Elizabeth alive and well, but the emotional and psychological scars of her experience would take years to heal. Despite the challenges, Elizabeth and her family focused on healing and moving forward with their lives.

Elizabeth Smart’s Height, Age, and Personal Life

Height

Elizabeth Smart stands at an estimated 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. Her height has been noted by those who have met her, and she is often described as tall and graceful. Her physical appearance, though striking, often takes a backseat to her personality and the strength she exudes from her incredible life journey.

Age

As of 2024, Elizabeth Smart is 36 years old. While her youth was marred by a traumatic experience, she has transformed into a remarkable woman, one whose advocacy work and public presence reflect the resilience and growth that she has achieved since her abduction.

Personal Life

After her abduction and subsequent recovery, Elizabeth Smart became a public figure and worked tirelessly to advocate for other victims of abduction, sexual abuse, and trauma. In 2012, she married Matthew Gilmour, a former missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The couple met while Elizabeth was volunteering for the International Justice Mission. They later had three children together: a daughter, a son, and a second daughter.

Her relationship with Matthew has been a source of strength for her as she continues to process the trauma from her past while maintaining a sense of normalcy and family life. She has also been vocal about the importance of therapy and emotional healing, openly discussing how she has worked to cope with the trauma she endured.

Elizabeth Smart’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Elizabeth Smart’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. Much of her wealth comes from her work as a public speaker, author, and advocate for victims of abduction, sexual violence, and trafficking. Elizabeth has written multiple books, including “My Story”, a memoir detailing her abduction, captivity, and eventual rescue.

Additionally, Elizabeth Smart’s advocacy work has earned her speaking engagements, media contracts, and other public appearances. Her foundation, The Elizabeth Smart Foundation, also works to prevent abductions, educate children on safety, and support those who have been affected by similar experiences. Through these efforts, Elizabeth has used her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by victims of abuse and abduction, while also providing support to those in need.

Elizabeth Smart’s net worth is a reflection of both her personal and professional accomplishments since her traumatic abduction. She has turned her painful experiences into an opportunity to inspire others, all while continuing her mission to make the world a safer place for children.

Elizabeth Smart’s Advocacy Work and Public Life

Since her rescue in 2003, Elizabeth Smart has become a prominent advocate for missing children and victims of sexual violence. She has used her platform to raise awareness about child abduction, sex trafficking, and the long-term psychological effects of trauma.

In 2007, Elizabeth founded The Elizabeth Smart Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping prevent child abduction, supporting victims, and educating the public on the issue. The foundation works in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, government organizations, and other charities to address these issues at a broader level.

Elizabeth has also become a sought-after public speaker, sharing her story with schools, institutions, and organizations to inspire others and raise awareness about the ongoing issue of child abduction. She has worked alongside the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and The FBI, speaking about the importance of vigilance, community safety, and resources for families impacted by similar events.

Elizabeth’s courage and resilience have earned her widespread recognition and praise. She has been honored with several awards, including The Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus Special Recognition Award and the Jeanne Clery Act Award for her work in advocating for victims’ rights and safety.

The Legal Outcome of Her Case

After her abduction and rescue, Elizabeth Smart’s case went through the legal process. In 2010, Brian David Mitchell was found guilty of kidnapping, sexual assault, and other charges related to Elizabeth’s captivity. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Wanda Barzee, Mitchell’s wife and accomplice, was also sentenced to prison. She served time and was eventually released in 2018, which caused controversy among those who believed she should have served a longer sentence.

Elizabeth’s participation in the legal process was critical, as she gave testimony during Mitchell’s trial. Despite the emotional challenges involved, Elizabeth showed incredible strength in confronting her abductor in the court system, helping to ensure that he would be held accountable for his actions.

Elizabeth Smart’s Legacy and Impact

Elizabeth Smart’s story is one of survival, courage, and advocacy. Despite enduring unimaginable hardship, she has used her platform to help others and make meaningful change in the world. Her work as an advocate for missing children and sexual assault survivors has created a ripple effect that continues to inspire people across the globe.

Through her advocacy and public speaking, Elizabeth Smart has not only raised awareness about issues of child abduction and sexual assault but also provided a voice for those who may not have one. She has taken a horrific experience and transformed it into something meaningful and life-changing, providing hope to other victims and their families.

Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. It shows that even in the darkest moments, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Today, she is not just a survivor—she is a beacon of hope and strength for many.