Thayne Long was a member of a family that was caught in severe flash flooding while hiking and canyoneering in Wayne County. According to reports from KUTV on July 21, 2026, Thayne Long was one of three sons, alongside Reid Vernon and Gage Long, who were found dead near a campground in Wayne County. The deaths occurred after the family was caught in the floods on Friday and Saturday, according to KUTV on July 21, 2026.
As of July 21, 2026, the family's death was part of a tragedy that claimed the lives of five people. The deceased included Thayne Long's father, Spencer Long, who was a Provo Fire Captain, and his mother, Katrina Long. According to Univision on July 21, 2026, Katrina Long was a co-founder of Summit Medical Spa, an institution that was founded eight and a half years ago in Spanish Fork. The family was described by relatives as a very close-knit group that always helped one another. Drew Long, the brother of Spencer Long, noted on July 21, 2026, that the family was always living adventures and that they always helped each other.
The loss of the family was noted by various agencies and community members. KUTV reported on July 21, 2026, that first responders were scheduled to join Provo firefighters in a procession to take the bodies of Captain Spencer Long and his family to their final resting place. This procession was scheduled to move from the Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to a funeral home in Spanish Fork on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 21, 2026. While the procession was expected to involve first responders lining the overpasses above I-15 to honor the family, officials stated on July 21, 2026, that the event was not anticipated to cause any delays or closures.
The tragedy involved a hiking and canyoneering trip that turned fatal when the family was caught in the weather event. Univision reported on July 21, 2026, that authorities determined the victims were Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their three sons, Reid, Thayne, and Gage. A fourth daughter, identified as Lydia, survived the incident, according to Univision on July 21, 2026, because she was not on the trip. The community and family members expressed profound grief over the loss. Sam Butler, a co-founder of Summit Medical Spa, described Katrina Long as a strong woman who loved with all her heart, according to Univision on July 21, 2026.
What this means for Spanish Fork
The passing of Thayne Long and his family during a flash flood in Wayne County has impacted the community. As of July 21, 2026, residents encountered the aftermath of this tragedy through public processions intended to honor the family in Spanish Fork and through tributes shared by fire officials and local business partners.
