5 Family Members Found Dead After Flash Flood in a Scenic Utah Canyon, Authorities Say

-Bicknell: Five family members who set out for a day hike were killed Friday after flash flooding in the canyons of southern Utah, law enforcement officials said.

The victims were a captain with the Provo, Utah fire department, his wife and their son, according to fire officials. One girl, who was not on the journey, survived.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said the family arrived Friday for their day trip at Sunglow Campground in the scenic red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah.

“The family is believed to have been flooded due to heavy rains,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.

Although the sheriff’s office did not identify the victims, the Provo Fire Department confirmed in a social media post that fire captain Spencer Long and his family members were killed.

“We are absolutely heartbroken over the death of Capt. Spencer Long and his family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” fire officials wrote.

Late Friday night, deputies were called to the campground after the body of a young man was found in floodwaters. The bodies of other family members were found late Friday and Saturday.

Meanwhile, love poured in on the family.

Long, his wife Katrina and their sons Reid, Thayne and Gage died in the devastating floods, according to a GoFundMe site set up by a family friend to support the Long family’s daughter as she struggles with the loss.

“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 go out to all of Katrina’s loved ones as they grieve the unimaginable loss of her husband and three beautiful sons,” Summit Medical Spa said on Facebook.