Five family members, including a fire captain from Provo, Utah, his wife, and their three sons, tragically died after a flash flood surged through canyons in southern Utah on Friday. The family had embarked on a day of hiking when they were caught in the sudden deluge, authorities confirmed.
The victims were identified as Captain Spencer Long of the Provo Fire Department, his wife Katrina Long, and their sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage. A daughter who was not part of the excursion survived. The Provo Fire Department expressed profound sorrow in a social media post, stating, “We are absolutely heartbroken by the death of Captain Spencer Long and his family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the family had arrived at Sunglow Campground, situated in a scenic red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah, on Friday for their day trip. The sheriff’s office issued a news release indicating, “It is believed the family fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rains.”
Deputies were dispatched to the campground later Friday night after the body of a young male was discovered in the flood wash. The bodies of the other family members were subsequently recovered late Friday and into Saturday.
Tributes have since poured in for the Long family. Bree Nielson, a family friend, established a GoFundMe site to support the Longs’ surviving daughter, writing, “Spencer and Katrina were loving, devoted parents whose greatest joy was their family. They touched the lives of so many with their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.” Katrina Long was also a cofounder of Summit Medical Spa, which posted on Facebook, “Our hearts are with all of their loved ones as we grieve the unimaginable loss of Katrina, her husband, and their three beautiful boys.”
