A family of five, including a firefighter and his three sons, perished in devastating flash floods in Wayne County, Utah, on Friday. The sole survivor of the tragedy is the family's daughter, Lydia Long.
Captain Spencer Long, 59, his wife Katrina, and their sons Gage, Reid, and Thayne were on a canyoneering and hiking trip near the town of Bicknell when heavy thunderstorms caused a sudden, catastrophic flood. The group was reported missing Friday evening after heading into a steep box canyon near Capitol Reef National Park.
Deputies discovered the bodies of Captain Long and two of his sons in a wash near the Sunglow Campground on Friday night. The remaining two bodies were found Saturday morning. All deceased were part of the same family unit.
Captain Long was a member of the Provo Firefighters Union. The union announced on Saturday that its rapid extraction team had been diverted from a wildfire to assist in the recovery efforts for their colleague and his family. Provo Fire & Rescue issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss and offering condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues.
Katrina Long was also recognized for her community involvement, having co-founded Summit Medical Spa and served as a former council member for Mona City. Officials from Mona City paid tribute to her dedication and the lasting impact she and her family had on the community.
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Lydia with funeral costs and rebuilding her life quickly surpassed its $100,000 goal, highlighting community support for the sole survivor during this difficult time. A family friend shared on the fundraiser that "No amount of money can replace the family Lydia has lost, but together we can help ease some of the burdens she now carries."