A Provo fire captain and four family members died in a flash flood near Bicknell.
Why it matters: The deaths put a local first responder at the center of a deadly weather emergency in southern Utah. They also highlight the public safety risk of fast-moving flash floods in canyon terrain and campground areas.
- Five members of one Utah family died after flash flooding near Bicknell, AP reported.
- AP identified the victims as Provo Fire Captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina and three sons.
- KSL NewsRadio reported the family was at or near Sunglow Campground in Wayne County when heavy rains triggered the flood.
- Fox 13 Utah reported deputies were called after a body was found, and the search later confirmed multiple fatalities.
Five members of a Utah family - including Provo Fire Captain Spencer Long - died after flash flooding swept through canyon country near Bicknell on Friday, according to AP.
Provo Fire & Rescue said it was devastated by the deaths, with a department statement cited by AP saying, "We are absolutely heartbroken by the death of Captain Spencer Long and his family."
KSL NewsRadio reported the family was at or near Sunglow Campground in Wayne County when heavy rains triggered the flood. Fox 13 Utah reported that deputies were called after a body was found, and the search later confirmed multiple fatalities.
AP identified the victims by name. The daughter survived because she did not join the outing, according to AP's reporting.
Wayne County was under a flash flood emergency as the storm hit the area, according to the local reports.
By the numbers
- 5 - Family members reported dead in the flash flood.
- 3 - The number of sons AP said died in the incident.
Yes, but: The death toll and victim details were reported by AP and local outlets; the dossier does not show a separate official county or state fatality confirmation.