Blind Idaho Man Finds Purpose in Helping Others with Vision Loss

Tristan Smith transforms tragedy into opportunity by founding nonprofit to empower the visually impaired

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After becoming completely blind in a 2018 plane crash in Idaho, Tristan Smith has dedicated himself to helping others with vision loss through his nonprofit organization, The Blind Leading the Blind. Despite his own challenges, Smith has found purpose in mentoring and supporting the visually impaired community, taking them on outdoor adventures and empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.

Why it matters

Smith's story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of purpose. By turning his own tragedy into an opportunity to uplift others, he is challenging perceptions about what it means to live with vision loss and inspiring a community to redefine their capabilities.

The details

In the 2018 plane crash, Smith suffered severe head trauma, multiple surgeries, and a traumatic brain injury that left him permanently blind. Despite his injuries, he was determined to not let his vision loss define him. Smith learned to navigate the world as a blind person, even relearning how to hunt and fish with the help of assistive technology. He then founded The Blind Leading the Blind, a nonprofit aimed at providing mentorship, community support, and outdoor experiences for the visually impaired.

  • In the summer of 2018, Smith was involved in a small plane crash in Idaho that left him permanently blind.
  • In December 2022, Smith and his friend Scott Schwab partnered to start the nonprofit The Blind Leading the Blind.

The players

Tristan Smith

A man who became completely blind after a 2018 plane crash in Idaho and has since founded a nonprofit to empower others with vision loss.

Scott Schwab

Smith's lifelong friend who partnered with him to start the nonprofit The Blind Leading the Blind.

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What they’re saying

“It's not that you can't do it. We just do it a little differently.”

— Tristan Smith (eastidahonews.com)

“Our vision isn't just to do a one-time thing. We want to create something lasting: shared experiences that rebuild confidence and remind people they are still capable, still needed, still part of something.”

— Tristan Smith (eastidahonews.com)

What’s next

The Blind Leading the Blind is pursuing grants and donations to purchase a boat designed for accessibility, allowing participants with vision loss to enjoy fishing and time on the water.

The takeaway

Tristan Smith's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By turning his own tragedy into an opportunity to uplift others, he is challenging perceptions about vision loss and inspiring a community to redefine their capabilities and find purpose, even in the darkest of circumstances.