Daughter is sole survivor of Utah family after dad, mom and 3 brothers were washed away by flood

Daughter is sole survivor of Utah family after dad, mom and 3 brothers were washed away by flood

The daughter of a beloved firefighter was the only survivor after five members of the same family were killed in devastating flooding in Utah, officials said.

Captain Spencer Long, 59, his wife, and three sons were confirmed dead on Saturday after they were swept away during catastrophic floods in Wayne County on Friday, KUTV reported.

Only the Longs’ daughter, Lydia, survived, according to a GoFundMe set up by a family friend.

Lydia was not with her family on the trip, KSL-TV reported.

Five members of the same family were killed in flash-flooding in Utah on Friday. Katrina Gubler Long / Facebook

The family was reported missing Friday after going hiking and canyoneering near the town of Bicknell, according to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Suddenly, heavy thunderstorms dumped large amounts of rain on the area in a short period.

That evening, deputies discovered the bodies of three members of the group, including Captain Long and two of his sons, in a wash after responding to a call at Sunglow Campground, located in a steep box canyon at an elevation of 7,200 feet near Capitol Reef National Park.

The remaining two bodies were found Saturday morning, officials said.

The deceased have been named as Captain Long of Provo Firefighter’s Union, his wife Katrina, and sons Gage, Reid, and Thayne.

Only the family’s daughter, Lydia, survived. Katrina Gubler Long / Facebook

On Saturday morning, the Provo Firefighters Union said its wildland rapid extraction team was called away from tackling a nearby wildfire in Blanding “to assist/aid in efforts of the current situation involving one of our own,” according to an Instagram post.

The Provo Fire & Rescue earlier changed its Facebook profile photo to include a black bar across the emblem, known as a mourning band, before confirming the news on Saturday evening.

“We are absolutely heartbroken by the death of Captain Spencer Long and his family,” Provo Fire authorities stated.

Tributes have been paid to Captain Spencer Long of Provo Firegfighter’s Union. Provo Fire & Rescue / Facebook

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing official process, we will not be commenting further at this time,” the statement continued.

Katrina Long was also the cofounder of Summit Medical Spa and a former councilmember for Mona City, where authorities also paid tribute.

“Katrina dedicated countless hours of service to our community, and her kindness, leadership, and commitment made a lasting impact on so many lives. We will forever be grateful for all that Katrina and her family have done to support and strengthen our community,” the city told ABC4.

Spencer, Katrina and their sons Reid, Thayne, and Gage were killed in the sudden floods. Katrina Gubler Long / Facebook

The GoFundMe set up to pay funeral costs and allow Lydia to rebuild her life has already smashed its target of $100,000 in just a day.

“No amount of money can replace the family Lydia has lost, but together we can help ease some of the burdens she now carries. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and remind her that she is surrounded by a caring community,” the fundraiser reads.

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