In brief
A tragic flash flood in southern Utah claimed the lives of fire captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their three sons during a weekend hiking trip. The family was at a campground near Bicknell when heavy rains turned the area into a rapid flood that swept them away. Wayne County police confirmed the incident, while Provo Fire & Rescue mourned the captain’s death and offered support. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the surviving daughter and family, whose lives were forever altered by the tragedy. The incident underscores the sudden danger of flash floods in mountainous regions.
Utah Firefighter and Four Family Members Killed in Flash Flood
Five members of a Utah family were killed in a flash flood over the weekend after going out for a day of hiking in the southern part of the US state, according to law‑enforcement officials.
Casualtities included fire captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their three sons Reid, Thayne and Gage. A daughter, who did not join the outing, survived the tragedy.
Wayne County Sheriff's Office said the family fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rains. The sheriff\'s statement did not name those who were killed, but later names were identified by Provo Fire & Rescue.
We are absolutely heartbroken by the death of Captain Spencer Long and his family, the fire department said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
A GoFundMe page lists Long, his wife Katrina and their three sons—Reid, Thayne and Gage—as having died in the flash flood, and mentions a daughter whose life has “forever been changed in an instant.”
Officials were called to a campground near Bicknell around 5:00pm local time on Friday, the orbit said. An initial search found a young male victim; later investigations uncovered two more, and on Saturday further search confirmed the remaining two victims were dead.
By Ana Faguy
