On Friday, a family of five was tragically killed as a flash flood swept through the canyons of southern Utah. The victims included Spencer Long, a captain in the Provo, Utah, Fire Department, his wife, and their three sons, according to fire officials. A daughter who did not join the hiking excursion survived.
Devastating Incident
The family arrived Friday at Sunglow Campground, located in a scenic red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah, for what was intended to be a day of hiking. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office reported the family fell victim to flooding triggered by heavy rains.
The sheriff’s office stated, “It is believed the family fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rains.”
While the sheriff’s office did not officially identify the victims, the Provo Fire Department confirmed Spencer Long and his family members were among those killed.
Community Mourning
Officials from the fire department expressed their sorrow, saying, “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.” In a mark of respect, the fire department updated its Facebook profile with a badge displaying a black bar, signaling the loss of a member.
Friday night marked the discovery of a young male’s body in the flood wash, followed by recovery of the remaining family members’ bodies late Friday and Saturday. Heavy rain and flooding had generated perilous conditions for outdoor activities in the area, according to CBS affiliate KUTV.
Tributes and Support
The Long family received an outpouring of tributes. Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage died in the flood, detailed a GoFundMe page created by a family friend to assist their daughter following her family’s tragic loss.
The page reads, “Our Provo Fire family is heartbroken to lose Captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their three sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage due to a devastating flash flood Thursday evening.” It continues, “In an instant, their daughter Lydia lost the people she loved most and is now facing an unimaginable future without them.” The GoFundMe campaign raised over $184,000 as of Monday.
Bree Nielson, on the fundraising page, wrote, “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 known as the co-founder of a medical spa. Summit Medical Spa shared condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with all of their loved ones as we grieve the unimaginable loss of Katrina, her husband, and their three beautiful boys.”
Search Efforts
Wayne County Sheriff Micah Gulley acknowledged the collaborative efforts in the search operation. Multiple agencies participated, including Sevier County Search and Rescue, Utah Highway Patrol, and a helicopter crew from the Utah Department of Public Safety.