Five Family Members, Including Fire Captain, Found Dead After Flash Flood Sweeps Through Utah Canyon

Bicknell, Utah – Five family members who had set out for a day of hiking were killed after a flash flood swept through canyons of southern Utah on Friday, law enforcement officials said, in a tragedy that has devastated a community and left a young daughter without her family.

The victims were a captain in the Provo fire department, his wife, and their three sons, according to fire officials. A daughter who was not on the trip survived. The family arrived on Friday at Sunglow campground in a scenic red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah, for their day excursion, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said.

"It is believed the family fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rains," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

A Devastating Loss

Although the sheriff's office did not identify the victims, the Provo Fire Department confirmed in a social media post that a fire captain, Spencer Long, and his family members were killed.

"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 with the fire department wrote.

On Friday night, deputies were called to the campground 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.

A Family Remembered

Tributes poured in for the family. Long; his wife, Katrina; and their sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage died in the devastating floods, according to a GoFundMe site set up by a family friend to support the Longs' daughter as she navigates the loss of her family.

"Spencer and Katrina were loving, devoted parents whose greatest joy was their family. They touched the lives of so many with their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love," Bree Nielson wrote on the page.

Katrina Long was the co-founder of a medical spa. "Our hearts are with all of their loved ones as we grieve the unimaginable loss of Katrina, her husband, and their three beautiful boys," Summit Medical Spa posted on Facebook.

The Dangers of Flash Floods

The tragedy highlights the deadly risks posed by flash floods in Utah's canyon country. The region's red rock canyons are beautiful but can become deadly when heavy rains fall. Water can rush through narrow canyons with little warning, catching hikers and campers off guard.

Flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the United States, and they are particularly dangerous in the desert Southwest, where dry conditions can give way to sudden, violent downpours. The National Weather Service often issues flash flood warnings for the region, but the sudden onset of these events can leave little time for escape.

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City confirmed that heavy rain had fallen in the area on Friday, creating the conditions for the flash flood that claimed the Long family's lives.

Community in Mourning

The Provo Fire Department and the wider Utah community are in mourning. Captain Spencer Long was described as a dedicated firefighter and a beloved colleague.

"Spencer was a respected leader and a friend to everyone who knew him," a fire department colleague told local media. "He loved his family more than anything, and he always spoke about them with such pride."

The Long family had been enjoying a summer day together when the tragedy struck. Their surviving daughter now faces the unimaginable task of grieving her parents and three brothers.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support her, and the community has rallied to offer support. The Provo Fire Department has also established a fund to assist with funeral expenses and the daughter's future needs.

Safety Warnings

Following the tragedy, officials have urged visitors to Utah's canyon country to remain vigilant about flash flood risks. Hikers and campers are advised to check weather forecasts before heading out, to avoid hiking in narrow canyons when rain is forecast, and to seek higher ground immediately if they see signs of rising water.

"These canyons can be incredibly dangerous when storms hit," a Wayne County official said. "We urge everyone to respect the power of nature and to take flash flood warnings seriously."