A flash flood swept through a canyon in southern Utah on Friday, killing five members of a family who were on a day hike, law enforcement officials said. The victims were identified as Spencer Long, a captain in the Provo Fire Department; his wife, Katrina Long; and their three sons, Reid, Thayne, and Gage. A daughter who did not join the trip survived.
Incident Details
The family had arrived at Sunglow campground, a scenic red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah, for a day excursion, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Heavy rains triggered the flash flood. “It is believed the family fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rains,” the sheriff's office said in a news release.
Deputies were called to the campground on Friday night after the body of a young man was found in the flood wash. The bodies of the other family members were recovered later on Friday and Saturday.
Official Confirmation and Tributes
The Provo Fire Department confirmed the deaths in a social media post. “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,” officials wrote.
Tributes poured in for the family. A GoFundMe page set up by family friend Bree Nielson to support the Longs' surviving daughter described Spencer and Katrina as “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 the co-founder 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.”
