Five Family Members Die in Flash Flood Near Utah Campground

Five family members died Friday after a flash flood swept through canyons near Sunglow Campground in Wayne County, Utah. The victims were Provo Fire Captain Spencer Long, 59, his wife Katrina Long, and their sons Reid, Thayne and Gage. The family had arrived at the campground that morning for a day of hiking and canyoneering.

Heavy thunderstorms dropped large amounts of rain in a short period, sending water through the wash where the family was located, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies responded Friday night after the body of a young man was found in the flood wash. Three bodies, including Spencer Long and two of his sons, were recovered that evening.

The remaining two bodies were found Saturday morning. Lydia Long, the couple’s daughter, was not on the trip and survived. A GoFundMe page created by a family friend to support her and cover funeral costs reached its $100,000 goal within one day, according to Bree Nielson, who set up the page.

Katrina Long co-founded Summit Medical Spa and had served as a Mona City council member. Mona City authorities said she dedicated countless hours of service and left a lasting impact on the community.