A Utah fire captain, his wife, and their three sons were found dead after a flash flood swept through a southern Utah canyon on Friday. The family of five had been hiking in the scenic red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah, when heavy rains caused the flooding. A daughter who was not on the trip survived the tragedy.
The victims were identified as Spencer Long, a captain in the Provo, Utah, fire department, his wife Katrina, and their sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage. The family had arrived at Sunglow Campground on Friday for a day of hiking, but heavy rains caused flooding that proved deadly. The bodies of the family members were recovered late Friday and Saturday.
Utah Flash Floods
Flash floods are a common hazard in Utah’s canyons, particularly during heavy rainstorms. The state’s unique geography, with its steep canyons and narrow valleys, can create dangerous conditions for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said that the family likely fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rains in the area.
The Provo Fire Department confirmed the deaths of Captain Long and his family members in a social media post, saying they were “absolutely heartbroken” by the loss. The department changed its Facebook profile photo to a badge with a black bar across the emblem to signal the death of a member. A GoFundMe page set up to support the Longs’ daughter, Lydia, has raised over $184,000.
The community has come together to support the family, with tributes pouring in for the victims. Katrina Long was the co-founder of a medical spa, and her business posted a message on Facebook saying their “hearts are with all of their loved ones as we grieve the unimaginable loss” of the family.
Aftermath and Response
The search and rescue effort involved multiple agencies, including the Sevier County Search and Rescue, the Utah Highway Patrol, and the helicopter crew from the Utah Department of Public Safety. Wayne County Sheriff Micah Gulley said the response was a coordinated effort to locate the missing family members.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers of flash flooding in Utah’s canyons and the importance of being prepared and aware of weather conditions when hiking or exploring the outdoors. The loss of the Long family will have a lasting impact on their community and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
