A Provo Fire and Rescue captain, his wife, and three of their sons have died following a flash flood in Wayne County, Utah. The victims, identified as Capt. Spencer Long, his wife Katrina Long, and their three sons, Reid, Thayne, and Gage, were caught in rising floodwaters while visiting the Sunglow Campground near Bicknell.
The Search and Recovery Operation
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on Friday when the family arrived in the area around 11:30 a.m. to go hiking and canyoneering. At approximately 5 p.m., deputies were called to the Sunglow Campground after a report that a body had been found. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the body of a young male in a wash near the campground. Following this discovery, Wayne County Search and Rescue crews were activated to search for other members of the missing family group. During the initial search, responders located two additional deceased males in the same wash. By Saturday morning, search teams had located the final two missing individuals. Sheriff Micah A. Gulley confirmed that all evidence indicates the family fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the area. Following the recovery of the victims, the sheriff’s office reported that all search personnel had cleared the area, and the campground has since been reopened to the public. The incident remains under official investigation.
Community Mourns Loss of First Responder
Provo Fire and Rescue officially confirmed the death of Capt. Spencer Long and his family on Saturday. In a statement posted to social media, the department expressed deep sorrow: 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.
The department indicated it would not provide further comments out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigative process. To honor the fallen captain, Provo Fire and Rescue changed its social media profile image to the agency’s badge draped with a black mourning band.
The loss prompted an outpouring of support from fire and law enforcement agencies across Utah, including the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, the Orem Fire Department, and the Springville Fire Department, among others. The Provo Firefighters Union also mobilized, with their wildland rapid extraction module team leaving an active wildfire assignment in Blanding to assist in the situation.
Remembering the Victims
The tragedy has left a profound impact on the communities where the Long family lived and served. Katrina Long, a former Mona City councilmember, was remembered by local officials for her tireless service and kindness. A statement from the Mona City government noted that her legacy of compassion and leadership would not be forgotten, and expressed gratitude for the support the Long family provided to the community. The family is survived by their daughter, Lydia, who was not with them at the time of the incident. A GoFundMe page has been established to support her, noting that her life has been changed in an instant as she faces the challenge of moving forward following the loss of her parents and brothers.
Context and Safety Concerns
The flash flood occurred in the vicinity of Fishlake National Forest, an area known for its rugged terrain. Meteorologists define the monsoon season as a seasonal reversal of prevailing winds that pumps significant amounts of moisture into the region, often creating volatile weather conditions. Officials have emphasized that heavy rain can quickly turn hiking and canyoneering areas into dangerous environments, urging the public to remain vigilant of weather conditions when recreating outdoors.
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