In brief
Five members of a Utah family were swept away in a flash flood while hiking near Bicknell on Friday. The victims included firefighter captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and three sons. Officials from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Provo Fire & Rescue confirmed the deaths, though the names were withheld initially. A GoFundMe page linked the incident and highlighted the family's loss. Search operations have confirmed all five victims.
Five members of a Utah family were swept away in a window of sudden flooding while hiking near Bicknell on Friday.
The victims included Provo Fire & Rescue captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their three sons.
Officials from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office first responded to the campground around 5:00 pm local time, finding a young male victim. A subsequent search uncovered two more deceased males, and on Saturday, the remaining two individuals were located.
Provo Fire & Rescue released a statement identifying Long and his family as the victims, expressing profound sorrow. A GoFundMe page linked the sheriff’s statement with the fire department’s announcement, naming the family’s sons—Reid, Thayne and Gage—and noting a daughter’s life was transformed forever.
The family reached the campground for a day trip, and heavy rains caused the flood, according to the sheriff’s office.
Searchers have now confirmed all five victims have been recovered.
