Five members of a family lost their lives to a flash flood during a hiking trip in southern Utah. Authorities have confirmed the tragic incident, which occurred on Friday.
The victims were Spencer Long, a captain in the Provo, Utah, fire department, along with his wife and their sons. Their daughter, who was not on the excursion, survived. The family had arrived at Sunglow Campground located in a picturesque red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah, for a day of hiking.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office stated that the flash flood resulted from the heavy rains in the area. Although the sheriff’s office did not release the names of the victims, the Provo Fire Department identified the deceased in a social media post. They expressed their profound sorrow over the loss of Captain Spencer Long and his family, offering condolences to relatives, friends, and colleagues.
The fire department showed respect by changing its Facebook profile picture to an emblem with a black bar, indicating a member’s death.
Deputies attended the scene later on Friday night after the young male’s body was discovered in the flood waters. The recovery of other family members’ bodies took place late Friday and Saturday. Due to Friday’s heavy rain, flooding created hazardous outdoor conditions, as reported by CBS affiliate KUTV.
Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage succumbed to the harsh floods according to a GoFundMe page established to support their surviving daughter. The fundraiser expressed the heartache of the Provo Fire family and the emotional struggle faced by their daughter Lydia after losing her family suddenly.
More than $184,000 was raised by the GoFundMe to support Lydia as of Monday. The fundraiser described Spencer and Katrina Long as loving parents, dedicated to their family, and noted their widespread influence through kindness and generosity. Katrina was also known for her role as cofounder of a medical spa.
Summit Medical Spa shared their sorrow on Facebook, mourning the loss of Katrina, Spencer, and their three sons.
Wayne County Sheriff Micah Gulley acknowledged the assistance from numerous agencies during the search. This included Sevier County Search and Rescue, the Utah Highway Patrol, and the Utah Department of Public Safety’s helicopter team.
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