A Utah family is mourning an unimaginable loss after a flash flood near Sunglow Campground claimed the lives of five relatives, including a longtime Provo fire captain.
As loved ones continue to grieve, the family has shared a heartfelt public statement honoring those who died while offering a deeply personal glimpse into the tragedy.
A family portrait shared on social media captures the close bond they shared before the tragic flash flood. The family was later remembered by loved ones for their devotion to one another and the life they built together. | Source: Facebook/katrina.g.long
The Fire Captain’s Mother Wanted to Make One Thing Clear
The Long family lost Provo Fire & Rescue Captain Spencer Long, his wife, Katrina, and their three sons — Reid, Thayne, and Gage — in the flood. Their daughter, Lydia, survived.
In a Facebook post, Spencer’s mother, Wendi Long, reflected on the lives they lived and the legacy they leave behind.
Wendi Long and her husband pose together in a family photo. Wendi later shared a statement honoring their son, Provo Fire & Rescue Capt. Spencer Long, along with his wife, Katrina, and their three sons following the fatal flash flood. | Source: Facebook/wendi.long.39
She remembered Spencer as the eldest of four brothers who “set the example for hard work, wisdom, and quiet strength.”
According to his mother, he served as a captain with Provo Fire & Rescue after decades as a wildland firefighter, paramedic, and search and rescue responder.
Spencer Long takes part in rope-rescue training as a member of Provo Fire & Rescue. His mother said after the tragedy that he “would never knowingly put his family in danger,” emphasizing his years of training and commitment to safety. | Source: Facebook/katrina.g.long
Wendi also recalled his passion for the outdoors.
“He loved the outdoors and lived for adventure,” she wrote, remembering family trips spent sleeping under the stars, tackling difficult trails, and making memories together.
Spencer Long smiles while holding a fish during an outdoor trip, reflecting his love of spending time in nature with his family. Family members said those shared adventures were among the moments they cherished most. | Source: Facebook/katrina.g.long
She described Katrina as “the heart of their home” and a co-founder of Summit Medical Spa, where she helped build “a culture of care and community.” The tribute also honored each of the couple’s sons.
Spencer and Katrina Long pose together in front of a Provo Fire & Rescue engine. The couple were remembered by family as devoted parents whose lives centered on serving others and raising their four children. | Source: Facebook/katrina.g.long
Reid had recently returned from serving an LDS mission in Colombia and had a deep love for his church and calling.
Thayne excelled as a hockey goalie, had recently begun boxing, loved the outdoors, and launched his own vehicle detailing business, Juab Detailing, at just 13 years old.
Gage loved hockey and the outdoors, and although he lived with diabetes, his grandmother wrote that he “always had a smile on his face.” Along with remembering her family, Wendi made one point she wanted the public to understand.
