Spencer Long enjoys a day of ice skating and hockey with his children. The family often spent time outdoors together, a reflection of the close bond his mother remembered as she honored the lives of Spencer, Katrina, and their three sons. | Source: Facebook/katrina.g.long
She said, “This loss is unimaginable, and we want to be clear: Spencer would never knowingly put his family in danger.”
Wendi said Lydia survived the flood and now needs the love and support of those around her. She also thanked the Mona community, firefighters, search and rescue families, Katrina’s colleagues, friends, neighbors, and extended family for their support.
She concluded by writing that the loss of Spencer, Katrina, Reid, Thayne, and Gage has left “a hole in our family that can never be filled.”
Even so, she said the family will honor them by living the values they embodied — serving others, loving deeply, and finding joy in the outdoors and in one another.
Wendi ended the tribute with a final message of remembrance: “We will forever love and miss Spencer, Katrina, Reid, Thayne, and Gage. Their spirit and legacy will live on in all of us.”
The GoFundMe Aims to Ease Lydia’s Burdens
Created by a close family friend whose husband served alongside Spencer at Provo Fire & Rescue for 12 years, the fundraise states that donations will help cover funeral and memorial expenses, housing, counseling, education, daily living costs, and other needs that Lydia may face in the months ahead.
The organizer wrote, “No amount of money can take away Lydia’s pain or replace the family she has lost. But together, we can help ease some of the burdens she now carries and remind her that she is not alone.”
The fundraiser also encourages those who are unable to donate to share the campaign and keep Lydia in their thoughts and prayers.
Katrina Long (left) and daughter Lydia (right) lean in close for a beaming indoor selfie, showing the strong resemblance and unbreakable bond shared between mother and daughter. | Source: Facebook/katrina.g.long
How Utah Honored the Long Family
The Long family’s loss prompted tributes from across Utah, with firefighters, local leaders, and elected officials joining the community in honoring Spencer, Katrina, and their three sons.
In an Instagram pos, Provo Fire & Rescue thanked everyone who stood along the funeral procession route to pay their respects.
“Your flags, your quiet presence, and your moments of respect meant more than words can express,” the department wrote. It added that the support from the community and fellow firefighters was “a powerful reminder that no one grieves alone.”
Provo City also shared a tribute after Provo Fire & Rescue escorted Spencer and his family to the funeral home.
“a solemn privilege,” the city said the procession reflected “the unbreakable bond shared throughout the fire service” and extended condolences to the family’s loved ones, friends, coworkers, and everyone mourning the tragedy.
The Long family’s loss was also recognized on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. In a separate Instagram post, Utah Representative Burgess Owens said lawmakers observed a moment of silence in memory of the family.
In his tribute, the representative called Spencer, Katrina, Reid, Thayne, and Gage “among the very best that Utah has to offer.” He also extended condolences to Lydia, the Provo Fire Department, the city of Mona, and everyone whose lives were touched by the family.
