Five family members were found dead after a flash flood caught them near Sunglow Campground in Wayne County.
Wayne County sheriff’s deputies were called to the Sunglow Campground area of Bicknell at approximately 5 p.m. Friday after receiving a report of a found body, according to a news release from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the body of a young male in a wash near the campground. Wayne County Search and Rescue crews were then activated to search the surrounding area for additional individuals believed to be part of a missing family group.
During the search, responders found two additional deceased males in the same wash, Sheriff Micah A. Gulley said in the release.
“All evidence indicates a family arrived at the Sunglow Campground area around 11:30 a.m. on Friday to go hiking and canyoneering,” Gulley said. On Saturday, search teams found the two missing individuals believed to be associated with the family group.
Authorities believe the family fell victim to flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the area, though the incident remains under investigation.
Provo Fire and Rescue announced that Capt. Spencer Long and his family had been identified as the deceased family. Multiple sources said a daughter who was not with the family is the only survivor.
“We are absolutely heartbroken by the death of Captain Spencer Long and his family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” Provo Fire and Rescue posted on its Facebook page
Fire agencies across Utah responded with an outpouring of support online on Saturday.
The sheriff’s office said all search personnel had left the search area, and it had been reopened to the public.
A GoFundMe was organized to help the surviving daughter of Capt. Long following their deaths. As of the posting of this article, the GoFundMe has raised more than $12,000 toward a $25,000 goal. It surpassed the previous goal of $10,000 shortly after 6:15 p.m.
This story will be updated.
Contributing: Joe R. Wirthlin Jr. and Brenna Donnelly
