Utah family of five dies after flash flood near Sunglow Campground

A Provo fire captain, his wife and their three sons were discovered dead near Sunglow Campground in southern Utah over the weekend, officials said. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office indicated the deaths were likely caused by flash flooding after heavy rain that moved quickly into the canyon.

The family, identified by the Provo Fire and Rescue Department as Captain Spencer Long and his wife Katrina Long, had arrived in the area late last week to hike and canyoneer. Their surviving daughter, Lydia, was not on the trip.

"The tragic deaths were a reminder of how rapidly weather can turn dangerous," said David Church, a science and operations officer with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City. He noted that the region has been experiencing an active monsoon pattern, with flood watches in effect for Sunglow Canyon on the day of the incident.

Church explained that thunderstorms over Thousand Lake Mountain produced intense rainfall that reached the canyon within about 30 minutes, creating rapid runoff on the steep, dry-wash terrain that can trap water and impede escape.

Family members described the loss as devastating. Susan Gubler, the mother of Katrina Long, said she received separate calls on Friday and Saturday informing her of the discovery of the bodies. She expressed disbelief that the experienced captain, who had previously canyoneered the area, was caught in the flood.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.