Five family members found dead after flash flood in Utah canyon, police say

According to law enforcement, five family members who had set out for a day of hiking were killed after a flash flood swept through canyons of southern Utah on Friday, July 19, 2026. The victims were identified as Provo fire department Captain Spencer Long; his wife, Katrina; and their sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage. A daughter who was not on the trip survived.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported that the family arrived on Friday at Sunglow campground in a scenic red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah, for their day excursion. They are believed to have fallen victim to flooding caused by heavy rains.

Although the sheriff's office did not identify the victims, the Provo Fire Department confirmed in a social media post that Captain Long and his family members were killed. "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," officials wrote.

On Friday night, deputies were called to the campground after the body of a young man was found in the flood wash. The bodies of the other family members were recovered later on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, tributes poured in for the family.

A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend to support the Longs' daughter as she navigates the loss of her family confirmed the deaths. "Spencer and Katrina were loving, devoted parents whose greatest joy was their family. They touched the lives of so many with their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love," Bree Nielson wrote on the page. Katrina Long was the co-founder of a medical spa. "Our hearts are with all of their loved ones as we grieve the unimaginable loss of Katrina, her husband, and their three beautiful boys," Summit Medical Spa posted on Facebook.