💙🙏 “Live Like The Longs”: Utah Community Honors Family Remembered For Service, Faith, And Love

Hundreds of people gathered at the UCCU Center in Orem to honor five members of the Long family whose lives left a lasting impact on their community.

The emotional service remembered Provo Fire Captain Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their three children — Reid Vernon, 20, Thayne Long, 13, and Gage Long, 12 — who were lost during a sudden flash flood in central Utah.

The family had been enjoying time together outdoors when severe weather changed everything. In the days that followed, friends, neighbors, firefighters, and community members came together to support those affected by the heartbreaking loss.

However, the funeral was also a celebration of the lives the Long family lived and the love they shared with others.

Speakers described the family as people of service, faith, compᴀssion, and adventure. Their memories highlighted not only what happened, but who they were — individuals who brought joy, kindness, and connection into the lives of everyone around them.

Spencer Long was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated firefighter and paramedic who cared deeply about protecting others. Provo Fire Battalion Chief Jeremy Moon described him as a genuine and compᴀssionate person whose character remained the same both on and off duty.

Those closest to Spencer remembered a man who valued family above everything else. He was a loving husband, a supportive father, and someone who created countless meaningful memories with his children.

His brother Casey Long shared that Spencer had always been a leader within the family. As the oldest sibling, he was someone others looked up to and trusted for guidance and support.

The firefighting community showed its deep respect for Spencer and his family. Firefighters from across Utah attended the service, while many others had previously gathered along highways to honor him and the family he loved.

Support also extended to Lydia Vernon, Katrina’s daughter, who was not with the family during the tragedy. A community fundraiser created to help her received more than $300,000, showing the overwhelming compᴀssion of people who wanted her to know she was not alone.

Each member of the Long family was remembered individually, with stories that reflected their unique personalities and the special connections they created.

Their legacy is now carried through the phrase “Live Like The Longs” — a message encouraging people to live with greater kindness, faith, courage, and appreciation for those around them.

Though their absence leaves a deep sadness, the love surrounding their family shows the powerful mark they made on countless lives.

💙 Their story reminds everyone that a meaningful life is not measured only by time, but by the love shared along the way.