A Utah family of five died after a powerful flash flood swept through a southern Utah canyon during a hiking trip, authorities said.
The victims were identified as Provo Fire Department Captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their three sons, Reid, Thayne, and Gage. Their daughter, Lydia, was not on the trip and is the family’s only surviving child.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the family arrived at Sunglow Campground near Bicknell, Utah, on Friday for a day of hiking. Investigators believe they were caught in a sudden flash flood caused by heavy rainfall.
Deputies were first called to the campground Friday night after the body of a young boy was found in a flood wash. Search crews later recovered the remaining family members Friday night and Saturday. Multiple agencies, including Sevier County Search and Rescue, the Utah Highway Patrol, and the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter crew, assisted in the recovery effort.
The Provo Fire Department confirmed the deaths in a heartfelt social media post.
“We are absolutely heartbroken by the death of Captain Spencer Long and his family,” the department said. “Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
The department also changed its Facebook profile picture to its badge with a black mourning band in honor of Captain Long.
A GoFundMe campaign created by a family friend says Lydia is now facing life without her parents and brothers. The fundraiser describes Spencer and Katrina as loving parents who devoted their lives to their family and touched many people with their kindness and generosity.
Money raised will help Lydia with funeral and memorial expenses, housing, counseling, education, and other immediate and long-term needs as she begins rebuilding her life after the devastating tragedy. So far, almost $238,000 has been raised.
Katrina Long was the cofounder of Summit Medical Spa, the business posted a tribute in a Facebook post:
“It is with profound sadness and unimaginable heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved co-founder, Katrina Long, along with her husband and their three sons, in a tragic accident.
There are simply no words to express the depth of this loss. Katrina was so much more than a co-founder—she was the heart of Summit Medical Spa. She led with kindness, grace, and unwavering compassion, making every employee, client, and friend feel valued, supported, and truly appreciated. She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and creating a place where everyone felt like family.
Katrina was an exceptional leader, an inspiring businesswoman, and an extraordinary person whose generosity and love for others touched countless lives. Her legacy is woven into everything Summit stands for, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Our hearts are with all of their loved ones as we grieve the unimaginable loss of Katrina, her husband, and their three beautiful boys. We ask that you keep their family, friends, and everyone whose lives they touched in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.As we mourn this devastating loss, we also celebrate the kindness, love, and light that Katrina shared so freely with the world. We are forever grateful for the privilege of knowing her, learning from her, and being part of the dream she helped build.
For those who have asked how they can help, a GoFundMe has been established to support their daughter, Lydia, during this incredibly difficult time. If you feel moved to give, any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, sharing the fundraiser and keeping Lydia in your thoughts and prayers is another meaningful way to show your support. https://gofund.me/dcbec00c0
The Long family will forever remain in our hearts, and their legacy will live on through the lives they touched and the community they helped create.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. ”
