Five members of a Utah family were lost in a sudden flash flood over the weekend while hiking near Bicknell. The victims included fire captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina and their three sons.
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement that heavy rain caused the flood and that the family died in the disaster. The sheriff’s office did not name the deceased, but Provo Fire & Rescue identified the family in its own announcement.
A GoFundMe page links the sheriff’s statement with the fire department’s tribute and confirms the deaths of Long, his wife and the three sons. It also mentions a daughter who survived the outing but whose life has been forever altered.
Officials received the first call around 17:00 local time at the campground, where one young male victim was found dead. A second search on Saturday uncovered two more deceased victims, and later that day the remaining two individuals were also confirmed dead.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of flash flooding and the importance of warning systems and preparedness when venturing into remote outdoor areas.
