A family outing in Utah turned tragic Friday when flash floods swept away and killed five members of a family, leaving a 23-year-old woman as the sole survivor. Spencer and Katrina Long, both 44, and their three sons, Thayne, 13, Gage, 12, and Reid, were canyoneering near the Sunglow campground when heavy rains caused a sudden flood.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office was alerted to the incident Friday night after a young man's body was discovered in the floodwaters. Spencer Long, a captain with Provo Fire & Rescue, and two of his sons were found that night. Katrina Long and their other son were discovered the following morning.
Lydia Vernon, the 23-year-old daughter of Katrina and Spencer Long, and sister to the three boys, was not on the hike. She now faces the loss of five immediate family members. A GoFundMe page established to assist Vernon with funeral, housing, counseling, and educational expenses had raised over $200,000 as of Monday morning.
Friends and family gathered outside the Long family home in Mona, Utah, to offer support. Footage showed a large U.S. flag displayed from a fire truck ladder, and smaller flags placed in the yard. Fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles were also present.
Wendi Long, Spencer's mother, posted on Facebook that the family was devastated by the loss. She described Spencer as a decorated fire captain with decades of experience as a wildland firefighter, paramedic, and in search and rescue. Katrina was remembered as the "heart of their home" and a successful co-founder.
Reid, one of the sons, had recently returned from a mission in Colombia with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thayne, the eldest son, at 13 had started his own business, Juab Detailing. Gage, the youngest, enjoyed hockey and the outdoors, and faced challenges with diabetes, which he reportedly did not let diminish his spirit.
Funeral arrangements for the family have not yet been announced.