Utah County doctor enters plea in wilderness therapy case

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah County physician has pleaded not guilty to a Colorado indictment that holds him responsible for the death of a Salt Lake City boy assigned to a wilderness therapy camp.

Keith R. Hooker is accused of negligent homicide and child abuse. Hooker was indicted by a grand jury in July and was arraigned last week in a Montrose, Colo., courtroom.

Hooker, who has worked in the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for more than 30 years, was medical director for Alternative Youth Adventures, according to court documents.

Caleb Jensen, 15, died from a staphylococcus infection in May 2007 while in an AYA program. Prosecutors contend the disease went untreated despite glaring symptoms.